Dr. Gennady Kupisok is a native of St. Petersburg, Russia where he graduated from Leningrad (St. Petersburg) State Conservatory of Music majoring in clarinet. He completed postgraduate studies in music performance at Gnesin Academy of Music in Moscow, Russia’s most prestigious educational institution for musicians. Gennady holds a PhD in Music Education from Leningrad State Institute of Culture. He is the First Prize winner of the 1975 Woodwind Competition in Leningrad.
During his career in the Soviet Union, Gennady performed with Leningrad Philharmonic, Leningrad Opera and Ballet (now Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg), and Lenkontsert (a music event planner). He was an Assistant Professor of Music at Leningrad State Institute of Culture, Woodwinds Department and taught extensively in music schools.
In 1991, Gennady and his family emigrated to the United States. In the US, he focused his career on music education of children as well as music performance. He taught in New York music schools in Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn, Westchester YMCA, and Long Island.
During 55 years of his career as a music educator, Gennady has taught over 3000 students to play musical instruments. Gennady believes in early introduction of children to the world of music and guides their musical development from young age to adulthood.
Gennady’s students have always received an Outstanding score at NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) events. Many of his students have become acclaimed professional musicians. Gennady’s students have also received full college scholarships for their advanced musical skills.
Gennady is an accomplished performing artist, both as a soloist and in ensembles. He has performed in NYC (over 20 times in Carnegie Hall), Westchester, Philadelphia, and Chicago. He plays 9 musical instruments: clarinet, saxophone, alto, soprano and sopranino recorders, Xaphoon (a tiny saxophone-like instrument), zhaleika (an ethnic Slavic woodwind instrument), shofar, and keyboard. Gennady also sings popular songs in English, Russian, and Yiddish.
Gennady combines music performance with education. He has created special educational programs for adults and children where he talks about music and demonstrates various musical instruments. These programs are always well received by various audiences ranging from local libraries to adult daycare facilities. People find them fun and engaging.
Gennady enjoys an active lifestyle. He continues teaching and performing music. He also reads a lot and regularly publishes articles on music education of children in Russian-language magazines and newspapers. Gennady also publishes his own blog where he shares his thoughts and insights.