Oboe with Elliot E.

My goal is to make music fun and to create a collaborative learning experience, to aid in the development of a mature oboe sound. I earned my Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Iowa in 2016. I have 6 years of college teaching experience as an Oboe Instructor from both Cornell College and Mount Mercy University in Iowa. I have also coached several chamber music groups, student woodwind quintets and oboe seminar classes. My duties also included senior recital preparation, serving on recital committees, and performing in many faculty and student side-by-side concerts. I have taught students who aspire for a music career, as well as those who simply enjoy participating in band and orchestra ensembles as they pursue other interests. I also have extensive experience teaching a private studio of middle school and high school students, preparing them for state contests and college auditions. Aside from my teaching duties, I am also a member of a professional symphony orchestra. In October of 2017, I won the Second Oboe audition with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. I also continue to perform as a substitute oboist with many orchestras and ensembles across the Midwest. Many young oboists feel at the mercy of their reeds, and this can be a source of great frustration and anxiety. Oboe reeds are notorious for their recalcitrance and the frustrating challenges they present to young oboists. Having stable, working reeds is vital for oboe students to feel successful. I am experienced in oboe reed adjustments to help students overcome difficulties with their reeds. I’ve witnessed how young oboists immediately feel more musically confident when their reeds are no longer a hindrance. For students to succeed in music, they need to feel it is enjoyable. During my weekly lesson time I can often be heard performing oboe duets with my students. This has the effect of making music fun, creating a collaborative learning experience, and aids in the development of a mature oboe sound.