Paul is a graduate of Cleveland Institute of Music having studied in the studio of Franklin Cohen principle clarinet for the Cleveland Orchestra. Paul also studied with John Mack principle oboe for the Cleveland Orchestra. John Mack provided coaching for all of Paul's ensembles while at CIM. Paul, along with his CIM quintet, was the winner of the 13th-ANNUAL DARIUS MILHAUD PERFORMANCE PRIZE COMPETITION in 2006. Paul took 2nd place in the 2007 Southern Illinois Concerto Competition and won the 2007 Southern Illinois University Concerto Competition.

Paul is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy in 2003. He was a 2003 National ARTS Merit winner for Clarinet and later that year won the 2003 International Clarinet Association High School competition. He has participated in the Washington State Solo and Ensemble Competition as well as the Washington All-State and All-Northwest performing groups. He won 2nd place at the 2002 Washington State Solo and his duet won 3rd place that same year for small ensemble.

Paul has performed at The Norfolk New Music Workshop, The Chautauqua Music Festival, Hot Springs Summer Festival, Southern Illinois Music Festival, Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Wind Ensemble, Interlochen Arts Academy and Marrowstone Festival. He has also soloed with the Southern Illinois Symphony, North Cascade Concert Band and The Bellevue Band

In addition he has been a member of numerous community organizations in the Puget Sound area, playing with Washington Wind Symphony, Seattle Youth Orchestra, Cascade Youth Orchestra, North Cascade Concert Band, and the Bellevue Community Band.

Paul attends Southern Illinois University Carbondale as a Graduate Assistant studying in the studio of Eric Mandat. Paul has also studied with Sean Osborn, Richard Hawkins, Laura Deluca, Lylburn Layer and Nathan Williams.