Paul R. O'Dette (b. Columbus, Ohio, February 2, 1954) is an American lutenist, conductor, and music researcher specializing in early music.O'Dette began playing classical guitar, and while in high school also played electric guitar in a rock band in Columbus, Ohio, where he grew up. He eventually adopted the lute (as well as the related archlute, theorbo, and Baroque mandolin) as his primary instruments, and primarily specializes in the performance of Renaissance and Baroque music.Since 1976, he has served as Professor of Lute and Director of Early Music at the Eastman School of Music in New York. He lives in Rochester, New York with his wife, son and daughter.