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About John M Cipolla

Dr. John Cipolla is a highly esteemed music educator and University Distinguished Professor at Western Kentucky University, specializing in clarinet and saxophone. Renowned for his exceptional teaching skills, he has made a lasting impact on the institution and its music department. Beyond his role as an educator, Dr. Cipolla serves as a mentor, creating a supportive learning environment and sharing wisdom in various aspects of life. Students consider him their best professor and a source of inspiration. An accomplished performer and recording artist, Dr. Cipolla regularly performs, teaches, and judges competitions across the USA, Europe, and South America. He has collaborated with prestigious orchestras and showcased his talents as a clarinetist and saxophonist on renowned labels such as Sony, ECM New Series, and Centaur. Before transitioning to full-time teaching, Dr. Cipolla had a diverse career as a woodwind player in New York City. He performed and recorded with various artists and ensembles, including The New York City Opera, St. Luke’s Chamber Orchestra, and Dizzy Gillespie. He was also a tenured member of the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra and performed in the Broadway show CATS. Dr. Cipolla holds degrees from The Juilliard School, The Eastman School of Music, Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts, and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has received numerous teaching awards, served as the President of the International Clarinet Association, and is endorsed by Selmer, Zac Ligature, and Gonzalez Reed clarinets. Through his teaching, performances, and ongoing contributions, Dr. Cipolla inspires aspiring musicians and shapes the future of music education. For more information, visit his website: https://works.bepress.com/john_cipolla/



Positions

2022 - Present University Distinguished Professor of Music, Western Kentucky University Department of Music, Potter College of Arts and Letters
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2015 - 2022 Professor of Music, Western Kentucky University Department of Music, Potter College of Arts and Letters
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1985 - 2021 Principal clarinet & multiple woodwinds, Radio City Music Hall Orchestra ‐ Radio City Productions
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2008 - 2014 Associate Professor, Western Kentucky University Department of Music, Potter College of Arts and Letters
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2002 - 2008 Assistant Professor of Music, Western Kentucky University Department of Music, Potter College of Arts and Letters
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1992 - 2000 Multiple woodwind orchestra member, CATS New York City Broadway Show ‐ Winter Garden Theater, NYC
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1985 - 2000 Non-Academic Position, NYC Professional Studio and Broadway Musician
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1993 - 1998 Clarinet & Saxophone Instructor, Wagner College ‐ Music
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1992 - 1992 Clarinet Instructor, State University of New York College at Purchase ‐ Music
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Curriculum Vitae


Disciplines



Grants

2019 - 2019 QTAG (quick turn around grant)
WKU Potter College of Arts and Letters
9th European Clarinet Festival travel grant, Camerino, Italy
Role: Clarinet Recitals/Master Classes/President of Jury for International clarinet competition
2019 - 2019 QTAG (quick turn around grant)
WKU Potter College of Arts and Letters
International Clarinet Meeting travel grant, Castelo de Paiva, Portugal
Role: Clarinet Recitals/Master Classes
2019 - 2019 WKU Provost's Initiative for Excellence
WKU Office of the Provost
Dr. Spencer Prewitt, guest clarinet artist
2019 - 2019 WKU Provost's Initiative for Excellence
WKU Office of the Provost
Eddie Rich, guest saxophone artist
2005 - 2005 Potter College Junior Faculty Scholarship
Western Kentucky University
Ain't Misbehavin' CD (recording and production)
2004 - 2004 Faculty Scholarship Council Scholarship
Western Kentucky University
2003 - 2004 Potter College Faculty Development
Potter College of Arts and Letters, Western Kentucky University
Travel grant to perform recital at International Clarinet Festivals
2003 - 2003 CPE Action Agenda Grant
Council on Post Secondary Education (CPE)
Lecture/Recital on topic of "British Clarinet and Piano music 1880-1945"
2002 - 2002 CPE Action Agenda Grant
Council on Post Secondary Education (CPE)
WKU Topper Clarinet & Saxophone Day
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Professional Service and Affiliations

2021 - 2023 Comitato Scientifico (Scientific Committee), Cesena, Italy, Accademia Italiana del Clarinett, "L'arte del clarinetto"
2021 - 2023 University Senator, Western Kentucky University
2021 - 2023 Potter College Representative, Western Kentucky University Curriculum Committee
2015 - 2022 Program Coordinator, Bachelor of Arts degree, Western Kentucky University Department of Music
2021 - 2021 Mentor, Eastman School of Music Meliora Collective Mentorship Program
2005 - 2021 Capstone Jury Orientation Committee, Western Kentucky University Department of Music
2004 - 2021 Academic Advisor, Western Kentucky University Department of Music
2014 - 2016 Chair, Western Kentucky University Strategic Planning Committee
2012 - 2014 President, International Clarinet Association
2011 - 2012 Young Artist Competition Coordinator, International Clarinet Association
2010 - 2012 College/University State Division Chair, Kentucky Music Educators Association
2008 - 2010 Secretary, International Clarinet Association
2007 - 2009 Kentucky Third District Music Educators Association College Representative, Kentucky Music Educators Association
2007 - 2008 Research Competition Chairperson, International Clarinet Association
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Honors and Awards

  • Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Third District Bowling Green, Kentucky Third District KMEA Teacher of the Year August 2020
  • University of North Carolina Greensboro Greensboro, North Carolina Distinguished Alumni Award November 2017
  • Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky Potter College Award for Service April 2008
  • Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Third District Bowling Green, Kentucky Third District KMEA Teacher of the Year August 2007
  • Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Bowling Green, Kentucky State KMEA Teacher of the Year February 2007
  • Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Third District Bowling Green, Kentucky Third District KMEA Teacher of the Year August 2003
  • International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest® 2001 Salt Lake City, Utah First Prize–Research Presentation Competition July 2003 • Linear Aspects of Harmony in the Counter Melodies of Jazz Musician Sidney Bechet

Courses

  • Saxophone Pedagogy
  • Clarinet Pedagogy
  • Saxophone Principal (undergraduate and graduate)
  • Clarinet Principal (undergraduate and graduate)

Education

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2000 - 2002 Doctor of Musical Arts Clarinet Performance, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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1985 - 1987 Master of Music Clarinet Performance, Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts
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1981 - 1984 Bachelor of Music Clarinet Performance, Eastman School of Music
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1980 - 1981 Bachelor of Music Saxophone Performance, Juilliard School ‐ Music
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Contact Information

Dr. John Cipolla
Professor of Music
Western Kentucky University
Department of Music
1906 College Heights Blvd
Bowling Green, KY 42101
1-270-745-7093

Email:


Performances International Solo Recitals (20)

Performances National Solo Recitals (6)