Margarita Shaposhnikova was the fi rst to introduce the saxophone to the world of classical music in Russia, where she started the fi rst saxophone class in 1965. Today, she is considered to be the greatest teaching authority in all of Russia. She started her own school, where she taught the greatest Russian saxophonists of today. She currently teaches at the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music in Moscow.

In 2005, she was awarded the honorary title of People’s Artist of Russia. She has won numerous competitions and her saxophone style and personality have infl uenced professionals and audiences alike, all over the world. She has given more than 1,000 concerts during her career, performing music from different countries and eras and styles. She has recorded many albums and participated in the fi lm The Voice of Saxophone. She has written and edited more than twenty publications and teaching methods. She has collaborated with many composers who have dedicated pieces to her, including Denisov, Gagnidze, Gotlib, Kalinkovich, Khachaturian, Raukhvergher, and Shostakovich. Margarita Shaposhnikova is the driving force behind several competitions organised in Russia and adjacent countries. She is also regularly invited to sit on international juries. She has been recognised for her sustained work promoting the saxophone and is referenced in Who’s Who.