Isabelle Cossette

Dr. Isabelle Cossette is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Music at McGill University's Schulich School of Music. She holds degrees in flute performance and has conducted postdoctoral research in respiratory mechanics. Her work bridges scientific research and music pedagogy, focusing on respiratory physiology in performance, biomechanics, and technology-enhanced learning. She directs the Music Performance and Body Lab (MPBL), a North American leader in optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP) for studying performer-instrument interactions. Her research explores topics such as musicians' breathing patterns, posture, performance anxiety, and the application of bioengineering and acoustics in music education.

Dr. Cossette has collaborated internationally with experts in respiratory physiology (e.g., Dr. Peter Macklem), bioengineering, and computer science. She has secured grants like the CFI New Opportunities Grant (2005) and contributed to over 90 research events. Her teaching integrates scientific methods with performance and pedagogy, emphasizing evidence-based practices.

• Awards: CFI New Opportunities Grant (2005)
• Labs: Founder and Director of the Music Performance and Body Lab (MPBL)
• Roles: Interim Associate Director at CIRMMT (2014), member of Université Laval's EIRPI team
• Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology and Acta Acustica

Her research aims to develop pedagogical tools using real-time biomechanical feedback to improve instrumental learning and address musician health concerns.