Paul Sharpe

Paul Sharpe is Professor of Double Bass at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts' School of Music. An internationally active performer, he holds principal positions with the Winston-Salem Symphony and Piedmont Opera, and performs regularly with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and Arizona MusicFest. His affiliations include founding the ensembles 'Low and Lower' and 'The Bad Boyz of the Double Bass'.

Sharpe holds a M.A. in Music Performance from the University of Iowa and a B.M. in Music Performance from Northwestern University.

His research focuses on:

• Double Bass performance techniques and pedagogy
• Chamber music collaboration and repertoire development
• Suzuki Method instruction for young musicians
• Orchestral performance practice

Major recognitions include:

• E. Nakamichi Double Bass Concerto Competition Winner (1996)
• International Society of Bassists Solo Competition - Third Prize (1997)
• Fellowships at Tanglewood, Aspen, and Pacific Music Festivals

At UNCSA, Sharpe leads a distinguished double bass studio whose alumni perform in major orchestras worldwide. Students receive scholarships to top graduate programs including Indiana University, Boston University, and Carnegie Mellon.

He maintains active participation in international music festivals including Villa Musica (Germany), Orfeo Music Festival (Italy), and Anchorage Chamber Music Festival, frequently serving as guest artist and coach.