University of Colorado College of Music – Boulder, CO
Notable Faculty: James Brody, Peter Cooper
Many of the schools on this particular list are deeply selective. Although the University of Colorado College of Music is a selective school, it may be a less selective option than other schools on this list like Curtis and Michigan, yet still provide an exceptionally comparable quality of instruction for its students. Faculty member Peter Cooper is a highly distinguished virtuoso oboist who is the principal of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. James Brody is an active solo oboist who is also an avid scholar of the Baroque oboe. Together, these two provide outstanding direction to many exceptionally promising and talented young oboists seeking careers in professional classical music symphonies and chamber ensembles.
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance – Ann Arbor, MI
Notable Faculty: Nancy King
Among the most successful oboe soloists performing in today’s inspired and eclectic concert music scene, Nancy King heads an elite class of young talent. The University of Michigan hosts a very impressive woodwind faculty and one of the country’s best symphonic bands, allowing oboists multiple performance opportunities in a wide variety of ensembles to garner experience at the highest level of ability. Her past students have started significant chamber ensembles and have held teaching professorships at a number of top colleges.
Listen to the Faculty: Check out Nancy King on her solo album Nancy Ambrose King Plays Oboe Concertos.
Eastman School of Music
Notable Faculty: Richard Killmer
Killmer, who is known around student circles as being an extremely efficient and fast reed-maker, is a leading professor of oboe in the US. A past professor at Yale who also serves on the faculty of the BANFF summer music festival, Killmer is a noted musician who has had an enormous influence in the world of oboe ever since he was appointed principal of the Oklahoma City Symphony in 1967. Killmer’s students can be heard in many of the finest orchestras and ensembles throughout the world.
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music – Bloomington, IN
Notable Faculty: Linda Strommen
Linda Strommen is heralded as a highly sought-after professor of oboe and, in addition to her post as Professor of Oboe at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, is a visiting oboe instructor at the Juilliard School. According to her IU Jacobs School of Music faculty bio, her students have attained positions in the most desirable and finest classical ensembles the world offers, including The Metropolitan Opera Company, Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony, Saint Louis Symphony, and New World Symphony, among many others. An acceptance to her studio is paramount to an excellent shot at success in breaking into the upper echelons of the classical industry.