Paul Goeglein
Oboe
Paul Goeglein is a highly sought-after performer and teacher in Ontario. He has performed with many orchestras including those of Toledo, Windsor, Nova Scotia, and Kitchener- Waterloo, among others. After completing a Bachelor's Degree at Indiana University, he moved to Canada in 2020 to begin graduate studies with Sarah Jeffrey of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Outside of the traditional symphonic orchestra, he has performed with organizations such as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Soundstreams, and the Esprit Orchestra. As a member of the GSO since 2022, he is proud to call the Guelph Symphony home. Paul lives in Toronto’s West End with his one-eared orange cat, Louie. He enjoys evenings at his reed desk, long hikes in Southern Ontario, and cooking new recipes for friends.
What inspired you to pick up your instrument for the first time, and how has your journey evolved since then?
I've played piano since age 7, and began clarinet in Grade 5 band. It wasn't until my Grandma Bev suggested I try the oboe (it was, according to her, more challenging and more interesting) that I truly found my musical voice. Over the years, I found a deep interest in the art of both orchestral playing and reed-making, and the rest is history!
Can you share a memorable performance moment that still resonates with you today?
During grad school at the Royal Conservatory, I was "cast" to play oboe in the school opera production of Handel's Rinaldo— on stage, in costume and make-up. Staging rehearsals and acting coaching were totally new to me (I had never been on stage in any capacity other than as a concert musician), but the process pushed me in unexpected ways, and I met wonderful friends during the show.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring musicians?
Listen as much as you can to both live music and recordings! Find what inspires you; listen to other instruments, other styles/genres, and always listen to singers. Staying inspired through listening builds your identity as a musician.
What role does collaboration play in your musical life, and how has it enriched your experiences?
Collaboration is a lot like friendships and relationships. Sometimes you hit it off with someone right away; other times, they're just not your person. Finding great collaborators is like finding great friends. Over time, you develop an understanding of one another and can communicate without words. Like in other aspects of life, learning to balance listening and understanding with self-expression and communication is key to great artistic collaboration.
What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being part of an orchestra?
Being in an orchestra is a unique social experience. There aren't many places in modern society where a group of 40-80 humans collaborate and focus on a shared goal like we do in an orchestra. Performance and collaboration push us to be our best selves, and they show us the power of working hard as individuals to enjoy a shared outcome.