OSu Oboe Studio

Being a part of an oboe studio is a very special part of attending music school. It is my believe that the studio should be a positive place that feel like a family and is in some ways an extension of home. The studio offers a place where students feel a sense of community. It allows for positive feedback and and musical comments to better each oboist. The OSU oboe studio has become a very close group of students which feels like a very supportive environment.

Pedal the practice duck (he/they)

We have a small duck made of tiger eye stone that is given to the student with the most practice time each week. To make this equitable we have a digital spin wheel with different days of the week and different times throughout the day (ie. “midnight–noon Monday” or “Saturday,” etc.) so not just the performance majors win weekly. Not only is Pedal a prize for the week, but they sit with the student during practice, they perch on their music stand during ensembles, and they have a positive affect on the student throughout the week. The other sections in ensembles know all about Pedal and they always ask who got them for the week. Pedal has become a staple of the oboe studio. 

Once students “win” Pedal two times, they receive a special OSU duck!

Oboe studio treats

Each week, a different studio member makes treats for the entire studio. This has become a very fun community building opportunity. They are held accountable for making and bringing treats which are separate from their school and music expectations. Everyone is always very excited for the last fifteen minutes of studio class.

This is a tradition that I brought from my undergraduate experience at the University of Minnesota. I studied with Basil Reeve, however, I was lucky to attend John Snow’s weekly studio classes where studio treats were a big deal! That sense of belonging and community is something that I think should be present in every music studio, so we have adopted that tradition at OSU and it has been a big hit!

Oboesgiving

A sense of community is created through food and fun activities! The oboe studio gathered at Dr. Miranda’s home for a Thanksgiving meal. Everyone brought a side dish and Dr. Miranda cooked the turkey. There was a scavenger hunt to count pumpkins and acorns and there were some hilarious games played. This will be a night to remember and the studio can’t wait for another fun get together!

Oboe Studio Recital

The oboe studio has a solo recital in both fall and spring. The oboe studio also combines with the bassoon studio to have a Double Reed Chamber Music Recital. We program repertoire that is new and old, music by women and BIPOC composers, works that are well-known, and those that are lesser-known.

Disclaimer: All students have consented to their photos being included on my personal website