Kathleen McLean joins Wilfrid Laurier’s Faculty

COCB Board member Kathleen McLean is coming back to Canada!

May 25, 2023

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Music is pleased to announce that Kathleen McLean has been appointed as our new Musician in Residence in the woodwind area.

A proud Canadian, born in Saskatoon, Kathleen currently serves as Associate Professor of Bassoon at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and Chair of Woodwinds.

With an extensive orchestral career, Kathleen has held prestigious positions with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the World Orchestra for Peace and the Canadian Opera Company. She has been guest principal bassoonist with the London Symphony (UK), Boston Symphony, and National Arts Centre Orchestra, Montreal Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony.

“I am delighted to be returning to Canada after 14 years as Associate Professor of Bassoon at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University,” said Kathleen McLean. “I am honoured to be collaborating with the brilliant faculty and working with the many talented students at Wilfrid Laurier University”.

As a pedagogue and performer, Kathleen has been very active in performing, premiering, and recording several new concertos and chamber repertoire at the International Double Reed Society. She has also been active with judging major bassoon competitions and offering masterclasses and recitals in numerous cities across North America. She was recently appointed to the board of the Canadian Council of Bassoonists and is a Yamaha Performing Artist.

As a long-time faculty member with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Kathleen has enjoyed working as both an orchestral and chamber music coach and as an online mentor for the Curtis Institute of Music.

“We are so excited to welcome Kathleen to the Laurier Faculty of Music community,” said Dr. Cynthia Johnston Turner, dean of the Faculty of Music. “Her incredible track record of performance and teaching is well-known and highly respected. I know that she will provide great leadership and innovation for our students and colleagues.”