The oboe studio's philosophy is to instill in each student the desire to reach his or her full potential as an oboist and to develop the skills necessary to achieve excellence in their chosen major area of study.
While the majority of Illinois State oboe students are music education majors, the studio is home to a diverse group which includes majors in music therapy, music composition, music business, oboe performance, as well as majors in liberal arts/pre-medicine studies.
Each student receives a weekly private lesson with the professor. We will work on tone production, scales and articulation technique. In the first year, students will be familiar with Barret and Ferling materials, and move on to more challenging literature as their skills progress.
Each week the studio meets as a whole for one hour.
Great performing opportunities are available in small groups. Enrolling in Chamber Winds class gives students the chance to further develop ensemble playing and leadership skills through the performance of woodwind quintets, quartets, and trios. Oboes frequently join with bassoonists to perform double reed ensembles.
Reedmaking skills are essential to one's success as an oboist. Two to three additional class hours a week are available to all oboists for the purpose of making oboe reeds.
The audition committee likes to hear two pieces of music that are contrasting. Choose pieces that are familiar such as a solo prepared for solo/ensemble competition, an IMEA etude by Ferling, or studies prepared for lessons with a private teacher. An audition lasts 15 minutes but much of that time will be used for getting to know each other.
Oboists feel more secure playing audition music that has rests (breathing spots) built in. That means there should be time between phrases or sections so that backed-up air can be exhaled before new air is inhaled.
The following suggestions are representative of acceptable repertoire for undergraduate admission auditions. You are NOT limited to what is listed. Students should not hesitate to use music similar in nature and difficulty.