Kornel Wolak

Kornel Wolak is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Queen's University and a renowned clarinetist, chamber musician, and educator. He specializes in clarinet performance, pedagogy, and interdisciplinary research on the biomechanics of woodwind playing. His work focuses on clarinet embouchure dynamics, leveraging tools like 3D Electromagnetic Articulography (EMA) to study tongue and jaw movements during performance.

• Affiliations: Queen's University (Music Department), collaborator at the Speech-Language Pathology Department, University of Toronto.
• Education: Doctorate (DMA) from the Paderewski Music Academy (Poznan, Poland), further studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto).

Research Interests: His research explores motor control strategies in clarinet playing, including register changes, double-tonguing articulation, and the prevention of performance-related injuries through evidence-based methods. Collaborators include Dr. Pascal van Lieshout, Dr. Aravind Namasivayam, and Dr. Anneke Slis.

• Awards: Fryderyk Nomination, Debut Tours, Presser Music Award.

Teaching & Mentorship: Developer of clarinet embouchure training methods, founder of Music Mind Inc. (music education initiatives), and mentor in the Bridge & Wolak online mentorship program.

Performance: Known for expanding the clarinet repertoire through commissions, and co-leads the Bridge & Wolak duo, producing shows like Tangorium blending classical, jazz, and world music.