Keith Spradlin

Dr. Keith Spradlin is a passionate musician, clarinetist, and educator based in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He has received degrees in clarinet performance from Rutgers University (DMA, 2025), Southern Illinois University (MM, 2021), and The University of Alabama (BM, 2018) and studied with Dr. Maureen Hurd, Dr. Eric Mandat, Dr. Osiris Molina, and Mark Dover. Keith is a pioneer for new music and extended technique and has premiered many new works within his music career. His most recent commission was a work for solo clarinet by composer-clarinetist Nadine B. Silverman. He has given masterclasses in contemporary performance technique and audition practices at West Chester University and the University of Utah. Keith is a founding member of the East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra, where he plays principal clarinet and alto saxophone, and ReedQuake, a clarinet chamber group. He has also performed with the Tupelo Symphony Orchestra, Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, Eastern Wind Symphony, the Rutgers University Graduate Wind Quintet, Nimbus Clarinet Quartet, and the Southern Illinois University Graduate Wind Quintet.

Keith Spradlin plays Royal Global Firebird B-flat and A clarinets and a MAX Low C Bass. He uses a Royal Polaris Adjustable barrel, a Philadelphia by Ramon Wadkowski mouthpiece on soprano clarinet, and a custom Brian Corbin mouthpiece on bass. When he bought his Firebirds, their voicing, tuning, sound, and resistance matched what he wanted, and he felt their value was exceptional. Although he had spent more time on E-flat clarinet than bass, the MAX bass felt approachable, versatile, and suited to players at different skill levels. It helped him grow as a clarinetist and develop his bass-clarinet playing. Keith chose Royal in part because the team welcomed him at ClarinetFest and other events, listened to his needs, and offered alternatives until he found the right instrument. He values their care for musicians at all levels and their willingness to help without prejudice. Playing Royal gives him pride and a sense of belonging to an international community of clarinetists whose paths differ but whose connection through music and instruments feels like family.