Now accepting new oboe students, all ages and levels are welcome!

Due to the pandemic, I’m currently teaching online only, but with over a decade of teaching experience plus years of travel which have previously required me to teach online occasionally, I am well suited to the current moment.

I push my students to do their very best through daily practice and effective practice techniques. Since we can’t meet in person, I’m recording music and duets so students can hear me play with high audio clarity and even play along!

Oboe Troubleshooting Guide

• Always swab the oboe before putting it away to avoid build-up of nasty green stuff inside your instrument. Make sure there are no knots in the swab before you pull it through the oboe. If you encounter resistance, do not keep pulling harder, as it will get stuck. Take the oboe apart and pull it out the opposite way. If it is truly stuck, bring it to a professional. Never use a hammer or screwdriver to remove a swab.

• Never adjust a reed yourself unless given permission to do so. This applies to parents as well! If the reed is not working properly, first make sure it is soaked. If it has suddenly gone very flat, it has probably cracked. Always have spare reeds with you, especially onstage during performances.

• If you can’t play the low register at all, first make sure the joints of the oboe are lined up correctly. If this doesn’t help, check for any stray pet hairs under pads. Do not adjust any screws unless given permission to do so.

• If you hear a gurgling sound on a specific note, you probably have water in a tone hole. Use a thin piece of paper under each pad and press down the key until you find it. Swab!

• If you’re having trouble getting your oboe put together or getting the reed in, use just enough cork grease to fix the problem. Too much cork grease can build up over time, so only use when needed.

• Questions? Drop me a line! Whether or not you study with me, I’m always happy to discuss oboe issues!