Formal CV

Dr Deborah de Graaff is a celebrated Australian clarinettist, educator, music psychologist, and adjudicator, known for her dynamic artistry and deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. A winner of the prestigious ABC Young Performers Awards, Deborah has performed as a soloist and chamber musician on major stages nationally and internationally, including numerous ABC broadcasts and 14 acclaimed CD recordings.
Deborah earned her PhD from UNSW with pioneering research in expert practice and motivational music psychology—work that continues to influence teaching studios and conservatoria alike. A passionate educator, she has taught clarinet and chamber music at the Sydney Conservatorium High School, the Open Academy, and the University of Sydney, where she also supervised postgraduate research. Many of her students have gone on to win national competitions, scholarships, and professional positions in major ensembles.
Former artistic director of the touring ensemble Ku-ring-gai Virtuosi, she was a founding artistic director of SILO SOUNDS Inc. in Harden-Murrumburrah regional NSW, she brought elite-level classical music of excellence and youth and elders mentorship to her rural community.
Known for her insightful musical judgment, warmth, and inspiring presence, Deborah is a highly respected adjudicator and mentor, uniquely bridging performance excellence with psychological insight and pedagogical rigour.
She delights that many previous students are working professionally as clarinet players and educators.

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About Deborah de Graaff, a Personal Profile

Clarinetist Educator Communicator:
Australian clarinetist Deborah de Graaff is acclaimed for her expressive artistry, distinctive voice in chamber music, and deep commitment to teaching and audience engagement. A musician of rare depth, Deborah has combined a rich performing life with a thoughtful, communicative approach to repertoire — from classic masterpieces to new commissions.

A Life Shaped by Music:
Growing up immersed in the world of opera and song, Deborah was profoundly influenced by her mother, contralto Lauris Elms. This early exposure to lyricism, tone, and storytelling continues to shape her sound — one that is vocal in colour, expressive in phrasing, and consistently grounded in musical intention.

Her performances are known for their luminous tone, architectural clarity, and emotional directness, traits particularly evident in her acclaimed recordings of the Brahms clarinet works and other core repertoire. Whether in concerto, chamber music, or solo recital, Deborah’s playing invites listeners into a world where each phrase breathes and each curve of line is compellingly articulated.

​Championing Clarinet Repertoire:
Deborah’s large discography and concert career has reflected both masterworks of the clarinet literature and thoughtful explorations of new and rare gems. Her recordings are celebrated for their: Artistic depth and expressive range. Clarity of musical structure. Deep empathy with composers’ intentions

Teacher & Mentor
As a dedicated educator, Deborah brings the same musical sensitivity and analytic insight to the studio as she does to the stage. Her teaching is characterised by:
A focus on sound quality and expressive intention
Clear, structured pedagogical approaches to technique and musicianship
Encouragement of personal musical voice alongside disciplined craft
University students, young professionals, and community musicians alike value her clarity, patience, and mentorship.

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Connection & Communication
Whether through live concerts, recordings, masterclasses, or online media, Deborah believes strongly in connecting with audiences — helping listeners hear with fresh ears and experience music as a living, breathing art.

She has appeared as a featured artist and speaker at festivals, conferences, concert series, and educational forums, and is regularly invited to adjudicate, lecture, and lead workshops.

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Behind the Music
When she isn’t playing or teaching, Deborah can often be found:
Mentoring with young people and exploring new repertoire with collaborators
Somewhere in the garden nurturing trees and growing fruit
Listening deeply to everything from lieder to chamber music and podcasts on the environment and world politics
Sailing, boating, varnishing, painting and building
​Walking Harry-dog through bushland or open rural fields with er wonderful wife
Keeping in touch with her talented inspiring young people and students