Clare started learning the violin at the age of 4 via the Suzuki Method, and later learnt with John Humphries in Ealing, London. She has been playing in chamber groups since she was twelve, and led Durham University Chamber Orchestra in 1999. Clare was a founder member of the Palatinate Ensemble and along with Simon she has run (and continues to run) much of the administrative side of the group.

Clare came to Durham in 1996 to study physics; five years later she graduated with a music degree and a PGCE! She spent 4 years as the Librarian of the Northern Sinfonia, and is now a peripatetic instrumental teacher. As well as playing the violin, Clare occasionally plays the viola and baroque violin, plays with Durham Sinfonia, sings with Durham Cathedral Consort of Singers, and has been seen to strum a ukulele whilest singing Mendelssohn.

Clare is occasionally foolish enough to allow herself to be photographed with a plastic duck on her head.

Updated 03/11/07