Sue Barber

Dr. Sue Barber is a Professor of Bassoon at the School of Music, James Madison University (JMU). She holds dual roles as an active performer and educator, specializing in bassoon performance and music pedagogy. Her affiliations include principal bassoon positions with the CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra and North Charleston Pops! Orchestra, alongside international freelance engagements. She has also served as a visiting professor at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, teaching applied bassoon and conducting masterclasses.

Her career spans performances with major orchestras such as the Richmond Symphony, Roanoke Symphony, and Sarasota Opera, as well as international appearances in Europe, Brazil, and China. Barber has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. She has collaborated with leading artists globally and participated in festivals including Brevard Music Festival and Banff Chamber Music Festival.

Barber’s advocacy for music education includes presenting at conferences like the International Double Reed Society and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. She actively promotes chamber music by women composers through collaborations with the National Alliance for Women in Music. Her contributions extend to academic leadership through JMU’s School of Music and outreach initiatives.

Her professional network includes affiliations with the International Double Reed Society and the National Flute Association. She maintains an active performance schedule alongside her teaching responsibilities, reflecting her commitment to both artistic excellence and pedagogical innovation.