Wheaton College Appoints Deborah Klemme Director of the Community School of the Arts
Serving as the sixth director in the history of the Community School of the Arts (founded in 1970), violinist Deborah Klemme will lead the CSA and its offerings in Suzuki and Traditional Instrument Lessons, Early Childhood Music, Beethoven's Buddies and the Community Outreach to Developing Artists programs.
Mrs. Klemme enjoys a dynamic career as a performer and educator at the intersection of faith and music. Her joy in fostering community through the arts is displayed equally through her collaborative musicianship, innovative pedagogy, and influential leadership within the organizations she serves.
Mrs. Klemme earned her Master of Music in Violin Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she studied violin with Stephen Rose, Principal Second Violin of The Cleveland Orchestra, and pedagogy under mentorship from Teri Einfeldt and Kimberly Meier-Sims. Prior to her graduate studies in Cleveland, she received her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Northern Iowa, studying with esteemed pedagogue Frederick Halgedahl. She grew up in a musical family in Alberta, Canada, where she began her study of the violin at age three under the teaching of her mother, who provided Suzuki violin instruction to many students who would go on to pursue careers in music, art, teaching, and ministry.
For nearly two decades, Klemme has toured the world and recorded numerous albums with modern hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty. With the Gettys, she has collaborated with leading Irish, classical, bluegrass, and Christian music artists on some of the world’s most revered stages, including multiple sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, the Grand Ole Opry House, Royal Albert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. Her emotionally resonant violin artistry has earned widespread acclaim from a global audience.
A highly respected teacher, Mrs. Klemme has dedicated herself to nurturing talent among young students and emerging artists. Her approach emphasizes early musical training and natural expression in a disciplined and joyful environment of learning and discovery.
Klemme is also a proven administrator, having led the Getty Music Touring Company as Executive Director for the past five years. During that time, the organization enjoyed success carrying out two world tours spanning four continents, as well as more than ten domestic tours across the United States and Canada.