Paula’s focus lies in teaching saxophone privately to all ranges of experience and age. Her goal is to cultivate their musicianship and help them gain confidence in their performance abilities whether they are planning on pursuing a career in music or not. 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 has been teaching saxophone privately since 2017 with students ranging from complete beginners to university students in both private and group sessions.  She has prepared students to compete in Kiwanis festivals, led saxophone sectionals for students in elementary, high school, and university level ensembles. Mainly based in Stratford, she is also taking on students in the London and Waterloo area.

Paula holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Wilfrid Laurier University where she studied with Dave Wiffen and has now completed her Master of Music in performance and literature with Dr. Bobbi Thompson at Western University. 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, Dr. Shawna Pennock, Chris Mitchell, and most recently Dr. Henning Schröder. During her own career has participated in the Kiwanis festival, performed with the Szivi Quartet in the Stratford Summer Music festival, and is an active member of the Stratford Concert Band.

What Paula’s students say about her teaching:

“After taking saxophone lessons with Paula for two years, I was able to further both my technical skills and my passion for music. With her help, I substantially improved my scales, sight reading, and tone, was exposed to a larger variety of saxophone repertoire, and even gained insight into a saxophone performance as a profession.” – Emily, student

“As a non-saxophone major and student enrolled in a science program, Paula was incredibly accommodating to work around my super busy schedule. During our lessons, Paula was able to hone in on my weaknesses within the horn, helping me log my progress every week as we worked toward mastering the twelve keys. From altissimo exercises to working on different vibrato techniques, Paula’s extensive knowledge foundation and experience with the saxophone truly shined as she was able to help me visualize and perform complicated techniques on the saxophone. I highly recommend Paula to anyone looking for a teacher and mentor to help them level up their saxophone playing.” – Demo, student

Contact: Paula.k@rogers.com, (226) 921-8008, PaulaKokot.com

Originally from Regina, SK, Tracey Frank cites music and teaching as her longest running and most exciting adventure that has taken her all over Canada, the United States, and Japan. She holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Music History from Western University, a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Regina, and a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from Duquesne University, in addition to additional woodwind and jazz studies at Humber College.

Tracey enjoys performing both classical and commercial styles with various large and small ensembles throughout Ontario, and can be heard on recently released EP “Bittersweet Remedy” by London, ON based singer/songwriter Leanne Mayer. 

Known for her passionate and vibrant teaching style, Tracey’s teaching focuses on empowering students by giving them the technical and artistic tools to succeed in performance. For over 20 years, Tracey has been dedicated to providing high quality music lessons in a fun and friendly environment. All students learn the tools they need to play the music of their choice. She teaches any age, any style, for any purpose.

As a result, her students are highly successful in competitions, exams, and (most importantly) having fun performing in front of people.  Tracey runs Frank Music Studios for all ages and stages in Woodstock, Stratford, and London, ON.

Lessons are available for:
⦁ Saxophone
⦁ Flute
⦁ Clarinet
⦁ Oboe
⦁ Bassoon
⦁ Recorder

The Frank Music Studios Advantage:

ATMOSPHERE
All teaching spaces are cozy and well-equipped, and in-person lessons are offered as health regulations allow. Lessons are also offered online with the platform that works best with your internet connection.

COMRADERIE
Students are of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and we all support each other! Additionally, students also get to work with other professional musicians in the community.

OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to two annual recitals in the winter and spring, we also host performance classes throughout the year, with awesome guest clinicians! Students and alumni have participated in select ensembles such as Ontario Provincial Honour Band, won scholarships and trophies at Stratford Kiwanis and Woodstock Rotary Music Festivals, and have gone on to study music at the post-secondary level. Mostly, we have fun playing music!

CONTACT:

(519) 933-9422
traceymfrank@gmail.com