Originally from Liverpool in the U.K., Jonathan Craven moved to Australia in 1974. In 1984, aged 16, Jonathan began clarinet studies with Floyd Williams at the Queensland Conservatorium. After finishing school he was accepted into the Diploma of Music (Performance) course, and during this time he won several prizes for both solo performing and chamber music.
On completing this course, he furthered his studies in London where he received a licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music.
When Jonathan returned to Australia he moved to Perth to teach at the West Australian Conservatorium of Music. In 1993 he was appointed Principal Bass Clarinet in the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Three years later he won the audition for Associate Principal Clarinet in the same orchestra.
Jonathan worked freelance in Melbourne and Tasmania until he was appointed to the position of Principal Bass Clarinet with the MSO in 2001.
