Joey Clark: Musical Director

I am not your average musical director. At least in my experience as an actor, I have found that the usual process is the musical director directs the music, the director directs the libretto, and no one (except for a few exemplary directors over the years) touches the lyrics. I work hand in hand with the director to shape and mold the climaxes of the dramatic action in each scene (aka THE SONGS!). I also work hand in hand with the choreographer to ensure the dynamics and cut-offs are appropriate and supportive to the work they are doing. Finally, I work hand in hand with the composer (or at least with their score) to ensure all their nuances are kept and used.

I will admit that I have worked more as a musical director than anything else, since I’ve left college. This mostly has to do with the fact that at some point in history, musicians said they had to get paid for their work – and around the same time, the actors all got together and agreed they didn’t need to get paid and slave labor was ok. As a New Yorker, I have decided for myself – I need to get paid

I believe that Joey Clark is one of the most sensitive and intelligent musical directors out there. He is extremely gifted musically, that can almost go unsaid, but along with that is his innate ability to create with the performer something deeper than simply a beautiful or appropriate sound. He doesn't just ask that you follow dynamics or sing a certain way because it is written exactly so or because he thinks it will make a beautiful sound alone (which he always manages to create), he also provides an emotional and active reason behind every thing that he asks you to do as a performer. He helps you to ally your intention in the moment to the music you are singing. I am always surprised by how fully he has thought out each moment as it pertains to how the music is meant to enhance and move that moment along. He gives you so much to work with and then lets you fly.

Joey Clark is the most careful musical director I've worked with. He's ever-prepared and always ready to answer a question. His positivity radiates to the whole cast. I also appreciate his special attention to warming up. He knows what's important to the music, as well as to the performer.

Joey Clark's innate musical instincts, ability to reharmonize and rearrange a piece of music on the spot, and talent on the piano are surpassed only by his patience, humor, and the positive energy he brings to the rehearsal/performance process. When all's said and done he's a natural born music director.

Joey Clark is one of the most competent musical directors I've worked with since moving to New York City, almost 5 years ago. He clearly possesses a breadth of knowledge on the technical aspects of music. Joey is an extremely skilled piano player as well, able to compose harmonies and extra lines of music that highlight the singers' strengths, further demonstrating his knowledge about music theory, composition, and vocals. Aside from being a hard-worker with a fabulous voice all his own, Joey is the biggest sweetheart. He gets the most out of the people he works with because he makes learning the music enjoyable, exciting, and rewarding. This guy is a prize to be had! Very talented and a great person!

– Liza Kaplan
Download Liza's headshot (.jpg) or resume (.doc).

I was fortunate enough to work with Joey as my musical director for Guys and Dolls in 2004. Joey Clark is the consummate professional. Not only is Joey's music direction remarkably on point, but he also possesses an amazing ability to motivate his cast to become better actors, as well as singers. It would be an error in judgment to pass up the opportunity to work with Joey in any capacity – as he truly is the personification of talent, integrity and ability all in one.