With a charismatic blend of technical flair, polish, and grace, Portuguese-Canadian clarinetist Wesley Ferreira draws in audiences with his unabashed joy and passion for storytelling through music. Widely regarded as a gifted expressionist, critics have praised his “beautiful tone” and “technical prowess” (American Record Guide), “remarkable sensitivity” (CAML Review), and “invigorating performance style” (The Clarinet), noting the vitality and energy he brings to every stage appearance. Fanfare Magazine adds, “Ferreira is clearly a major talent.”

From Europe to Asia, North America to South America, his performances continually engage, prompting the Artistic Director of one recent concert series to describe his performance as “daring, deeply human, and presented with the ease and fluency of a world-class player.” Wesley leads an active career performing as a soloist, orchestral and chamber musician, and as an engaging adjudicator and clinician. He has been broadcast nationally on RTP television in Portugal, CBC Radio in Canada, and ABC in Australia and has been a featured guest artist at numerous clarinet festivals. As one half of the globe-trotting clarinet and guitar duo Jâca, he is part of an acclaimed and groundbreaking ensemble that combines classical and world folk music to bring an adventurous, passionate, and completely original musical style to the stage. 
 

In addition to his performing career, Wesley is also a sought-after keynote speaker who works with corporate and professional audiences to help them develop the mindset, presence, and poise of top performers—so they can succeed authentically and lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. He also speaks passionately on arts advocacy, showing how the artistic mindset and creative toolkit empower individuals in their careers and in everyday life, fostering personal growth, transformation, and a deeper connection to the world around them.

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Currently based in the United States, he is a tenured full professor of music at Colorado State University, where he maintains a thriving clarinet studio. Known for his imaginative and holistic approach to pedagogy, Wesley’s teaching philosophy focuses on the whole human being, working to integrate musician–human–artist. His students are mentored to develop self-confidence, an artistic voice, and professional purpose, with many going on to successful careers in performance, teaching, and arts leadership. He is also co-founder and artistic director of the Lift Clarinet Academy, a premier summer training institute that attracts students from around the world and combines intensive performance training with mentorship, empowering the next generation of clarinetists to become confident, expressive, and purposeful artists.

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