# Clara Rockmore

> Russian-American musician (1911-1998)

**Wikidata**: [Q271187](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q271187)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clara_Rockmore)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/clara-rockmore

## Summary
Clara Rockmore was a Russian-American musician (1911–1998) known for her virtuosity as a violinist and composer, particularly in the realm of electronic music. She was a pioneer in the use of the theremin, an early electronic instrument, and contributed to the development of classical music in the electronic medium.

## Biography
- Born: March 9, 1911 (exact location not specified)
- Nationality: Russian-American
- Education: Studied at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory (1920s–1930s)
- Known for: Pioneering the theremin in classical music and electronic composition
- Employer(s): Saint Petersburg Conservatory
- Field(s): Violin, composition, electronic music

## Contributions
Clara Rockmore was a virtuoso violinist and composer who specialized in electronic music, particularly with the theremin. She performed and composed works for the instrument, contributing to its integration into classical music. Her work helped establish the theremin as a legitimate tool for composers and performers in the electronic music genre.

## FAQs
**What instrument did Clara Rockmore specialize in?**
Clara Rockmore was a virtuoso violinist and composer who also worked with the theremin, an early electronic instrument. She was known for her performances and compositions using the theremin, contributing to its recognition in classical and electronic music.

**Where did Clara Rockmore study music?**
Clara Rockmore studied at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, where she honed her skills in violin and composition. The conservatory provided her with the formal training necessary to develop her expertise in both classical and electronic music.

**What was Clara Rockmore's contribution to electronic music?**
Clara Rockmore was a pioneer in the use of the theremin in classical music. She performed and composed works for the instrument, helping to establish it as a legitimate tool for composers and performers in the electronic music genre.

## Why They Matter
Clara Rockmore's work as a violinist and composer in electronic music was groundbreaking, particularly in her use of the theremin. Her performances and compositions helped to legitimize the instrument in classical music, paving the way for future electronic musicians. Her contributions to the field of electronic music have influenced generations of artists who have since explored the possibilities of electronic instruments in classical and contemporary music.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the use of the theremin in classical music
- Composer and performer of electronic music
- Student of the Saint Petersburg Conservatory
- Contributor to the integration of electronic instruments in classical music

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Clara Rockmore was born on March 9, 1911, in what is now Russia. She began her musical studies at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in the 1920s, where she trained in violin and composition. The conservatory provided her with the formal education necessary to develop her skills as a musician and composer.

### Career and Contributions
Clara Rockmore's career was marked by her virtuosity as a violinist and her work with electronic music. She specialized in the theremin, an early electronic instrument, and performed and composed works for it. Her contributions to electronic music were significant, helping to establish the theremin as a legitimate tool for composers and performers in the genre.

### Influence and Legacy
Clara Rockmore's work had a lasting impact on the field of electronic music. Her performances and compositions using the theremin helped to legitimize the instrument in classical music, paving the way for future electronic musicians. Her legacy continues to influence artists who explore the possibilities of electronic instruments in classical and contemporary music.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-blog/2008/07/11/)
2. maniadb
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. [Source](http://www.mtv.com/news/1433717/electronic-music-pioneer-rockmore-dead/)
5. [Source](http://www.thereminworld.com/Article/13874/clara-rockmore-living-on)
6. AllMusic
7. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/12/arts/clara-rockmore-88-virtuosa-of-an-unusual-instrument.html)
8. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/21/arts/music/21walk.html)
9. Integrated Authority File
10. [Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/139242246/clara-rockmore)
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. MusicBrainz
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. SNAC
15. BnF authorities
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. YouTube API