Upbeat, Encouraging Oboe Teacher

David C.

Hi, I'm David! Teaching oboe is genuinely my favorite thing I do, and if you or your student are taking on this wonderful, quirky instrument, you've come to the right place.
I hold a Master's degree in Oboe Performance from Northern Illinois University, where I was a finalist in the NIU Concerto Competition, and a Bachelor's degree in Oboe Performance and Music Business from the Crane School of Music. I've performed with orchestras and wind ensembles across the country, coached woodwind ensembles at Illinois Summer Youth Music and NIU, and since 2020 I've run my own private oboe studio, teaching students of all ages online and in person here in Chicago.
Oboe is all I teach, and that focus shapes everything about my lessons. Because I specialize in one instrument, I know exactly where oboe students get stuck — finding a beautiful tone, building breath support that lasts a whole phrase, gaining confidence to play out in band — and how to get them past it. My method starts with you: in our first lesson, we'll talk about your goals, I'll listen to where you are right now, and we'll build a plan around exactly what you want to achieve. Every lesson blends solid fundamentals (tone, breathing, technique, musicianship) with repertoire you're excited to play, and students always leave with clear, achievable practice goals.
I've worked with everyone from first-year band students to adult beginners and returning players, and my goal is the same for all of them: leave every lesson sounding a little better and enjoying the oboe a little more. Progress and joy aren't opposites!
I offer flexible scheduling online and in person in Chicago, respond to messages quickly, and am always happy to answer questions before you book. Reach out and tell me a little about your goals — I can't wait to meet you and get started!