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/