Paul Kushious, a native of Rhode Island, received his Bachelor of Music Degree for Oberlin College Conservatory as a cello student of Richard Kapuscinski. He then continued studies with Leonard Rose and Joel Krosnick. Paul was a member of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra for eleven years before joining The Cleveland Orchestra in 1995.

The Rhode Island Musical community offered Paul many opportunities. He began his studies with Shirley Adams, then Principal Cellist of the Rhode Island Philharmonic and faculty member at the the University of Rhode Island. He performed for eight years in the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Orchestras under the direction of his father, David Kushious, as well as Martin Fischer. During his high school years, Paul performed in the Rhode Island Philharmonic at the invitation of founding music director Francis Madeira utilizing an innovative apprentice program. Paul’s first professional engagement was at Newport’s Trinity Church playing continuo for John and Alice Pellegrino.

Paul has enjoyed a variety of chamber music experiences in addition to his traditional orchestral duties, including performances with the International, Philadelphia, and Miami String Quartets. He performs regularly with his Cleveland Orchestra colleagues and guest artists in the Reinberger Chamber Music Series at Severance Hall and at the Kent Blossom Music Festival. As a Tanglewood fellow, Paul was awarded the Haskell Gordon Chamber Music Award under the tutelage of Eugene Lehner and Joel Krosnick. Among other awards, he was twice a Fischoff Competition finalist.

Paul has a private teaching studio in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He and his wife, flutist Heidi Ruby-Kushious, tour as a duo called INNovation, performing at Inns and resorts worldwide. They have two wonderful children named Sara and Dustin.

Paul was born/raised in Warwick, RI and graduated from Pilgrim High School.