About Clarinets by Copeland
From high-end repairs to handcrafted clarinets—crafted by a player, trusted by pros.
Clarinetist/Repair Specialist
Founder of Clarinets by Copeland
As a lifelong clarinetist, Jonathan Copeland has seen how hard it can be to find an instrument that plays the way it should—especially at an accessible price. Buying new doesn’t always mean getting quality craftsmanship, and too often, players are held back by instruments that simply don’t live up to their potential.
That’s why he started Clarinets by Copeland: to offer hand-selected, professionally restored clarinets that play better than new—and now, to provide the same level of precision and care through professional repair services. Every clarinet he sells or services is brought to life on his bench, with the knowledge and attention that only comes from someone who knows how a clarinet should truly feel and respond.
He holds a Bachelor and Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from Middle Tennessee State University and spent 9 years as a clarinet repair specialist at Onks Woodwind Specialists before launching his own full-time shop. What began as a passion for matching players with great instruments has grown into a complete clarinet workshop—offering premium repairs, curated pre-owned models, and his own line of high-quality clarinets.
Email: Info@betterclarinets.com
Ambassador Coordinator & Facilities Manager
Ashley Copeland
Ashley Copeland is a Knoxville, Tennessee native who holds a double Bachelor of Music Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University. During her nearly 15-year career as a public school music educator, she served as Tennessee General Music Education Association President, worked on the Country Music Hall of Fame Words & Music curriculum committee, presented at the 2022 KySTE Conference, won multiple grants to bring instruments into the hands of her students, and consistently led her classroom with highly engaging and innovative lessons. After leaving the classroom in 2023, she continues to remain active in music education, supporting her local school community while pursuing other creative and personal interests. She serves at their daughter’s school, bakes sourdough as a hobby, and takes care of their two doodle pups, Chandler and Piper.
Email: info@betterclarinets.com
Clarinet Repair Apprentice & Sales
Alexander Malone
Alexander Malone is a passionate clarinetist, tinkerer, and collector of old books, cameras, and instruments. He holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Clarinet Performance from the University of Kentucky and continues to perform and teach regularly throughout Kentucky. His repair journey began in 2020 while maintaining the instruments of the clarinet studio at UK, and he officially joined Clarinets by Copeland in April 2025.
With a firm belief that every musician deserves an instrument that plays to the highest standard, Alexander is committed to ensuring nothing stands in the way of making music and building connections through it. His performance background provides valuable insight into how a clarinet should feel and function, guiding his pursuit of top-quality service.
Outside of work, Alexander enjoys walking with a film camera in hand, occasionally jabbing his fingers while bookbinding, and passionately researching classical 5-key clarinets in boxwood.
Email: Alexander@betterclarinets.com
Clarinet Education & Sales Development Specialist
Jillissa Anderson
At home, Jillissa Anderson is a wife and mom to three young children—keeing her busy with managing and peace-making on a daily basis. She has been playing clarinet since elementary school, and the impact of private lessons during her early years sparked her desire to pursue music as a career. Humorously. Jillissa first asked to play the clarinet when she mixed up an oboe for a clarinet. Outside of her work, she enjoys gardening, is an avid baker, and is especially known for her specialty cheesecakes.
Jillissa’s career as a clarinetist, educator, and entrepreneur reflects her passion for building relationships through performance, pedagogy, and community focused leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Clarinet Performance from Cedarville University and a Master’s in Clarinet Performance with a pedagogy emphasis from Wright State University. She directs Tri-State Ensembles in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area, performs with local symphonic and chamber groups, and devotes much of her teaching to high school clarinetists.
Her work also extends into leadership and writing, from publishing articles in School Band and Orchestra magazine to teaching masterclasses at highschools and universities. She wrote the curriculum for an instrument sales training program that blends pedagogy with practical tools for clarinetists and has previously led a diverse national team of musicians and educators. Passionate about helping clarinetists not only find the right equipment but also connect with their community professionally, she was drawn to Clarinets by Copeland for its unique community presence and dedication to excellence. In her role as Clarinet Education & Sales Development Specialist, she is excited to expand opportunities that connect clarinetists with the tools, resources, and inspiration they need to thrive.
Email: Jillissa@betterclarinets.com
