Though the name Clayton Haslop is by no means a household name, his artistry as a violinist has been enjoyed by millions through his work as concertmaster and solo violinist on numerous highly successful films and soundtracks. Amongst them are Avatar, Titanic (James Horner, composer), Ratatouille, Up (Michael Giacchino, composer), The Matrix quadrilogy (Don Davis, composer), and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Alexander Desplat, composer). Concurrent with this activity have been stints as concertmaster of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, The Los Angeles Opera, and many other ensembles around the United States.

Coming from a musically minded family, Clayton began the study of violin at age 8 and, at 20, was invited by Sir Neville Marriner to give 6 enthusiastically received performances around California as soloist with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Other early accomplishments included being accepted as a private student by legendary 20th century violinist Nathan Milstein, an experience that influenced his artistic development for many years.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending how one looks at it, life as a first-call Hollywood recording artist and freelance concert violinist was not to last. In his late 30’s Mr. Haslop began noticing small, aberrant movements in the ring finger of his left hand. Over time, as the loss of control became increasingly unmanageable, it became clear that the issue was a neurological “over use” injury known as Focal Dystonia, or FD.

How Clayton managed to overcome this all too frequently career ending development is the primary focus of discussion in upcoming interview. It is a fascinating story with a surprising ending, I think, that will interest many of our listeners.