Biography

Paul Safar is a versatile composer/performer and private piano instructor living and working in Eugene, Oregon.

He performs regularly in Oregon and thrives on collaborative projects including theatrical works like the childrens musical “Nisse’s Dream” co-written with singer Nancy Wood. He has had commissions from the Delgani String Quartet and Oregon Parks Department and was the Oregon Music Teachers Association Composer of The Year for 2013-14. He has had compositions performed by Fear No Music in Portland as well at the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference His piano music has been performed by concert artist George Lopez and his orchestral compositions by Seattle’s Octava Chamber Orchcestra. He was an Erik Satie Mostly Tonal Award winner as well as finalist in the Fidelio Piano Composition Competition. His music has been performed in cities ranging from New York and Seattle to Havana and Fairbanks.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Austrian/Czech parents, Paul started on the piano at a young age. Having a balanced background in both Classical and Jazz/Rock, one of Paul’s goals is to coherently combine these influences in his compositions. His composition teachers have included Joel Hoffman at the University of Cincinnati and Robert Kyr at the University of Oregon.

As an instructor, Paul enjoys sharing his knowledge of composition to both young students and piano teachers. He has been active in Cascadia Composers (NACUSA) since its inception in 2008. In addition, Paul is a member of BMI and the Oregon Music Teachers Association.

When he isn’t engaged in musical activities, he might be seen hiking, backpacking, skiing, traveling, savoring that first cup of black coffee in the morning or pilsner or pinot at happy hour:) or spending time with his family.

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EDUCATION

Graduate Study, School of Music, University of Oregon. 1994

Bachelor of Music in Composition, College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. Cum Laude. 1987-1991. Teachers included Joseph Hoffman and Allen Sapp. Member of both Chamber Choir and small jazz combo.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Private Music Instructor, teaching classical and jazz piano as well as composition to all ages. 1991-present.

General Music Teacher, Awbrey Park Elementary School, Eugene, OR. 1995

Dance Accompanist, Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle, WA. 1991

AWARDS AND PERFORMANCES

2013-14 Oregon Music Teachers Association Composer of the Year.

Commissions by the Delgani String Quartet. Compositions performed both by Fear No Music ensemble and at the Portland International Piano Festival as well as the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference. Portland, OR. 2010

“Visual Music” performed at Oregon Country Fair and Oregon Shakespeare Festivals. 2008

Composer and music director of “Nisse’s Dream”, original children’s theatre musical, Lord Leebrick Theatre, Eugene. 2005 and by Rose Children’s Theatre,Eugene,OR 2023.

Performance of “Chenoa” an original folk opera by the Darke County Civic Theatre, Greenville, Ohio. 1995

Performance of “A Meditation for the Earth”, Seattle Peace Chorus. 1992

Winner of the Erik Satie Mostly Tonal Award with a performance at CAMI Hall, New York City. 1989

AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

BMI

American Music Center

NACUSA

Cascadia Composers Chapter

Oregon Music Teachers Association (MTNA)