Meet the Artist
Saxophonist Paula Kokot was born and raised in the beautiful city of Stratford, Ontario to Polish parents who had no musical experience. She was able to grow up with lots of influence from her Polish heritage and had many opportunities to partake in music making throughout her formative years. Paula takes pride in being the only private saxophone instructor located in Stratford. She has also received awards such as the Young-Ja Park Chamber Music Award, the William Thompson Award, and the Budd Family Music Award.
Paula’s main focus lies in teaching saxophone privately to young adults but welcomes all ages and experience levels. Her goal is to cultivate her student’s musicianship and help them gain confidence in their performance whether or not they are planning on pursuing a career in music. She believes that having a solid foundation in saxophone technique and a healthy embouchure are imperative in saxophone pedagogy and aims to implement this philosophy in her lessons. Paula also believes that education is just as necessary for teachers as students and strives to continue learning about the saxophone so that her students receive the highest quality of education.
Paula’s journey in music began just like most musicians when she started taking piano lessons. She then took up the challenge of learning saxophone in her grade nine instrumental music course where she was quickly pulled into the world of concert band. These experiences would leave an impression on Paula and lead her to pursue music in post-secondary education. She now holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Wilfrid Laurier University where she studied with Dave Wiffen and had the opportunity to work with Dr. Jessica Kun, and collaborative pianist Lorin Shalanko.
She has now completed her Master’s Degree in Performance and Literature with Dr. Bobbi Thompson at Western University. During her studies she had the chance to work with collaborative pianist Dr. Christine Tithecott. Throughout her education, Paula has been fortunate enough to participate in guest masterclasses led by artists such as the Quasar Quartet, Dr. Masahito Sugihara, Dr. Diane Hunger, Chris Mitchell, and most recently Dr. Henning Schröder.
Other projects that Paula is currently involved in is the Szivi Quartet. A saxophone quartet incepted at the Don Wright Faculty of Music where she plays on the alto saxophone. She is also currently giving lessons to students in the Stratford, London, and Waterloo area of various experience levels. Additionally, she has a particular passion for performing new compositions and believes that the saxophone is an integral part of contemporary music, as well as a great vehicle for composers to experiment with. Most recently, the Szivi Quartet has been invited to play for the Stratford Summer Music. Find more details in the “Szivi Quartet” page!
Outside of practicing or rehearsals, Paula enjoys knitting all kinds of garments for her family and friends, reading fantasy novels, travelling, and baking Polish and French desserts.
