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WELCOME TO 
EVERYTHING OBOE

The music studio of Ruth Stuart

Whether you or your daughter or son are looking for a serious commitment or simply want to learn something new and have fun while doing it, there’s nothing more important than being taught by an experienced oboe teacher. After all the oboe is officially one of the most difficult instruments to play.  I’ve been offering lessons and guidance to people age 11 to 80 in the Bay Area area since 1992, and I am here to help you with any aspect of the oboe: selecting an instrument to rent or buy, reed making, finding ensembles, or just a companion to play duets with.

Oboe Closeup
Oboe and English Horn Lessons: Welcome

ABOUT ME

I have a Masters Degree in Music Performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York, studying with Joe Robinson (the former Principal Oboist of the New York Philharmonic), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Central Michigan University, studying with Roger Rehm. After completing my education, I performed with the Mexico City Philharmonic, and spent many summers performing all over the world — in Spoleto, Italy; Graz, Austria; and the former Soviet Union. Throughout my career, I have always worked as a professional oboist, English hornist, and music educator. I have a passion for all things oboe, and am driven to share this passion with others.  

As a performer, I have a successful career performing with all the major orchestras in the San Francisco Bay Area. I built this career after moving to San Francisco in 1992. My current contracted positions are with the Sacramento Philharmonic, Opera, Ballet, and Choral Society, and the Monterey Symphony.  I am equally comfortable on both oboe and English horn (the sister instrument of the oboe).

As an educator, I am privileged to be the resident and sole oboe instructor at Forrests Music, an oboe and bassoon specialty shop in Berkeley, CA. Forrests Music is a nationwide mecca for oboists and bassoonists, and is the first place to look in the Bay Area to find an oboe instructor. I have instructed and guided students at all ability levels, and ages from 10 to 80. The wide range of students in my studio have provided me significant insight into how to use different approaches for each age group, ability, and personality. I am successful at crafting individual plans for students depending on how each best learns, rather than developing a set method into which each student must fit. My own playing is constantly evolving through teaching, and my lifelong deep connection to music strongly comes through to my students.

Playing the oboe can be fun!

WHO DO I TEACH?

  • Beginning oboists of all ages including adults

  • Band students in elementary school, middle school and high school.  

  • Adults new to the oboe 

  • Adults that used to play the oboe and want to dust it off and play again.  

  • Amateur musicians who just want to play duets with a professional. 

WHAT SERVICES DO I OFFER TO MY STUDENTS: 

  • Help with renting or buying an instrument

  • Reed making or help with selecting store bought reeds

  • Learning to read music

  • Rhythm and basic music theory

  • Learning to practice and make the most of practice time.  

  • Learning to love music 

  • Finding ensembles to play with​

  • Crafting an individual plan for each student depending on how they best learn rather than developing a set method into which each student must fit.  

Oboe and English Horn Lessons: About Me
Colorful Bubbles

TYPES OF LESSONS TO CHOOSE FROM

Results That Last

INDIVIDUAL LESSONS

One hour, 45 minutes or 30 minutes

GROUP LESSONS

 Schedule a lesson with your band or orchestra oboe section.  Won't your band director love that!  

CHAMBER MUSIC CONNECTION

Let me help you find other musicians to play with.  Maybe you can be the one to start your own chamber group.

REED MAKING AND ADJUSTMENT

I can help adjust your reeds so you can have more fun playing, and I can teach you to make your own reeds.

HIRE A CHAMBER GROUP

Need a chamber group for a special event or just want to have a concert at your house.  I can find you the perfect group with any instrumentation!

Oboe and English Horn Lessons: Lessons

CONTACT ME →

Private instruction on the oboe and English horn, reed adjustment, reed-making lessons, group lessons, online consultation. Need a chamber group? I can find the perfect group for your event.

Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville, El Cerrito, Richmond, El Sobrante, Pinole, Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Concord, Marin, Benicia, Sacramento …

℅ Forrests Music  |  1849 University Ave., Berkeley CA 94703  |  510-332-9080

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Oboe and English Horn Lessons: Contact
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