Kathryn Patricia Cobbler

Hailing from Canada’s Capital region, Loop pedal violist, visual artist, composer, and educator Kathryn Patricia Cobbler has crafted a singular niche in music improvisation and classical performance. She obsesses over creating uniquely arresting soundscapes, whether in solo recitals, composing and performing for art installations, and more. Named a CBC Trailblazer in 2021 and a recipient of an Ottawa Arts Council’s Emerging Artist awards, she has been featured in Canada’s most notable Concert Series, Chamberfest, Music and Beyond, and the NAC’s Sphere Festival to name a few.

Kathryn Patricia Cobbler holds degrees in viola performance from Western University (B.M.) the University of Ottawa (M.M.) and was a 2022 fellow of the Global Leaders Institute. She is currently a PhD student in Critical Studies in Improvisation through the University of Guelph. Kathryn’s study explores the performer-composer connection; through creation as research, unpacking Johann Sebastian Bach’s 5th solo suite performed on the viola through the use of free improvisation, fragmentation, pre-composed melodies, loop pedal and effects. The purpose of this study is to critique and to investigate new definitions of the terms creative voice, agency, and virtuosity and to examine the role music improvisation can play, if any, in aiding classically trained string players in achieving creative voice and agency in their music-making.

Named one of ‘3 Classical Musicians You Should Know ‘ in 2022, by SHIFTER Magazine and the NAC, Kathryn is a seasoned performer, speaker, presenter and workshop facilitator. As a performing artist and educator, Ms. Cobbler is a performance instructor at Carleton University and an artist on the MASC Artist roster. As a composer, Kathryn has been featured in the Boston based Concert series, Castle of Our Skin’s Black Composers Miniature Challenge, which resulted in the world premier of her piece A Home Called ‘Wander’ for solo viola and spoken word. Most recently, Kathryn Patricia was commissioned by the National Art Gallery of Canada to compose a piece of music for their exhibit, Uninvited: Canadian Women Artists in the Modern Moment. Kathryn Patricia performs on a viola by luthier Sibylle Ruppert and a Boss RC-30 loop pedal.

Links

https://www.kathrynpatricia.com/

https://kathrynpatricia.bandcamp.com/

Instagram: @kathrynpatriciaviolist

Facebook: @kpviolist

Twitter: @Kathrynpatrici7