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Oboe at Arts Academy


Why Study Oboe at Interlochen

One of the orchestra's oldest instruments, the oboe possesses a unique power to enchant audiences. As an oboe student, you'll explore the potential of this distinct instrument. Discover its lyrical possibilities and understand why the oboe sets the tone for all types of ensembles.

What You’ll Learn

As a soloist and ensemble member, your talent will get an opportunity to thrive at our boarding school for oboe, Interlochen Arts Academy. Our six music programs give you the choice to focus your musical goals wherever your interests lie. 

All oboe students take both private lessons and studio classes tailor-made for your skill set. Our dedicated oboist instructor will guide you through the study of practice, interpretation, performance, and reed-making. You'll develop your own practice techniques and learn how to identify and address any issues. Plus, we'll give you tools to sharpen your performance technique and audition readiness. 

How to Apply

Audition Requirements

Meet the Faculty

Dane Philipsen, D.M.A.

Instructor of Oboe

All Faculty

Guest Artists

The Arts Academy oboe studio enjoys visits from leading artists, many of whom are alumni. Recent guests include:

  • Jaren Atherholt, University of North Carolina School of the Arts
  • Jennie Brandon, composer
  • Elaine Douvas, Principal Oboe, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Instructor of Oboe, The Juilliard School
  • Dwight Parry, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
  • Lora Schaefer, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Roosevelt University
  • Martin Schuring, Arizona State University
  • Elizabeth Tiscione, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Kennesaw State University

Program Highlights

Performance Opportunities

As an oboe student, you'll enjoy daily opportunities to participate in ensembles like orchestra and wind symphony. You'll also have the chance to develop chamber music projects and collaborative projects across musical genres and artistic disciplines. Learn more in our Explore Ensembles section below.

The Music Center

Our state-of-the-art 60,000 square-foot music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios—which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus—multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.

Master Classes

Participate in master classes with guest artists drawn from network of alumni and leading oboe performers and teachers.

Reed-Making and Maintenance

You'll have access to reed-making tools and machines, giving you the ability to learn the entire reed-making process.

Explore Ensembles

Chamber

Assembled at the faculty's discretion, chamber music ensembles are offered as electives in the Music division. Each ensemble is coached by one of the Arts Academy's acclaimed instrumental faculty.

LEARN MORE

Orchestra

A recipient of the American Prize, the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra performs an advanced repertoire that includes symphonies, concerti, contemporary works, and original compositions.

LEARN MORE

Wind Symphony

The American Prize-winning Interlochen Arts Academy Wind Symphony presents a diverse and challenging repertoire in regular live, prerecorded, and public radio performances.

LEARN MORE

A boy playing the oboe

Before I came to Interlochen, I had a hard time being motivated, and was not challenged by the ensembles that I played in. Here at Interlochen, I am motivated like never before, and I am challenged daily by orchestra and band.

David, Music

A group of oboists performing

In Studio A

Listen as oboe student Angela performs solo on Interlochen Public Radio's In Studio A showcase. You can also listen to the entire oboe studio perform on In Studio A, too.

Listen to Angela

Listen to the Oboe Studio

Lora Schaefer, Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Learn more about Arts Academy alumna Lora Schaefer and her path to the CSO.

College Matriculation

Recent Interlochen Arts Academy Music Division students have continued their education at the following institutions and beyond.

  • Berklee College of Music
  • Boston Conservatory at Berklee
  • California Institute of the Arts
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Cleveland Institute of Music
  • Curtis Institute of Music
  • Indiana University
  • The Juilliard School
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Manhattan School of Music
  • New England Conservatory
  • New York University
  • Northwestern University
  • Oberlin College and Conservatory
  • Rice University
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • University of Miami
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Rochester
  • University of Southern California
  • Vanderbilt University