Private Lessons

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.

Oboe Master Class

Each week the studio meets as a whole for one hour.

Chamber Music

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.

Reed Making

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.

Repertoire Suggestions

• Everybody’s Favorite Oboe Solos
• Handel, Sonatas 1-3
• W. Ferling, Forty-eight Famous Studies for Oboe
• Barret, Forty Progressive Melodies

On Campus

• Symphony Orchestra
• University Band
• Wind Symphony
• Symphonic Winds
• Symphonic Band