An Invitation
Are you ready to face your challenges on the oboe? I am thrilled to invite you to a FREE 5-day Oboe Masterclass. We will discuss techniques that I have used to teach hundreds of oboe players. I will share valuable insights that will help you to play the oboe with joy and ease.​
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I bring 20 + years of teaching experience and wealth oboe performance knowledge to this exclusive masterclass. Whether you're a seasoned oboist or just starting your musical adventure, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss.
Here's what you can expect:
5-Day Masterclass Details
1
The Perfect Reed
Oboists seek the 'Elusive Perfect Oboe Reed'. Let's discuss how we can immediately improve our oboe playing. Seasoned oboist or just beginning your musical journey? This class will empower you to sound better and play with more confidence.
2
Creating a Beautiful Sound
We will walk through the process that I have used to help hundreds of oboe players find their unique sound. We will explore techniques that will enhance tone quality, dynamic range, and expressiveness. Aiming for hauntingly beautiful solos or great intonation in your ensemble playing? This class will guide you towards creating a sound that is as unique as you are.
3
Fundamentals of Playing
with Ease
Oboe playing can't be easy? Yes, it can! We will cover the essential techniques to play the oboe with ease. We will discuss breath control, finger dexterity and embouchure. This class will give you with the necessary tools to navigate the oboe with ease. Newer to the oboe or seeking to polish your craft? This class is your gateway to unlocking the full potential of your oboe playing.
4
How to Choose a Better
Oboe Reed
It isn’t that these great oboe players are necessarily good at reed-making. They are good at choosing their reeds.​ What each good oboist requires is one good reed at a time. Knowing how to choose their best reed, greatly impacts their ability to play at their best. Learn how to choose better reeds, leading to better musical results.
5
Cultivating Joy in Your
Oboe Playing
Discover how to cultivate a sense of joy while expressing yourself through music. We will discuss mindset, interpretation and performance tips that will enhance your music-making. Bring a new level of happiness to your oboe journey.
Masterclass Schedule
September 4-9, 2023 1:00PM CST
September 4th, 2023 • 1:00PM
The Perfect Reed
September 5th, 2023 • 1:00PM
Creating a Beautiful Sound
September 6th, 2023 • 1:00PM
Fundamentals of Playing
with Ease
September 7th, 2023 • 1:00PM
How to Choose a
Better Oboe Reed
September 8th, 2023 • 1:00PM
Cultivating Joy in
Your Oboe Playing
September 9th, 2023 • 1:00PM
BONUS: Q&A with eRin
Testimonials
Erin's passion for the oboe, her musical expertise, and her enthusiasm shine through in her teaching. My daughter began learning the oboe this year at school. Private lessons with Erin did so much to advance my daughter's interest in the oboe and to increase her love of music. We will definitely continue learning with Erin!
Andrea Regier
In my capacity as Music Director of the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra, I’ve had the good fortune to see the impact of Erin’s pedagogy and coaching. In addition to amazing young oboe players she teaches being members of the orchestra, Erin also coaches our wind section. Erin has a rare skill in cultivating in students an unbridled love and enthusiasm for music along with a solid technical foundation. I recommend Erin without hesitation. If you work with Erin, you’ll have a ton of fun and get really great at the oboe at the same time.
Richard Carnegie
Erin is an exceptional human. I feel so blessed to have someone with such skill and passion for the oboe teaching my son. Not only has she taught him how to play the oboe, but she has taught him about many things that are necessary in life, such as time management, to be accountable, to persevere, and to dream big. Erin always goes above what you would expect. Erin is supportive, respectful, nurturing, kind hearted and has a spirit that shines! We are so grateful to know her.
Susi Ha
This sounds like the ideal university program yet is quite hard to achieve, for a hundred reasons, in universities. Wonderful that you are building your own structure and inviting players to join you
Nadina Mackie
Bassoon Soloist
I could not imagine a better teacher for my kids than Erin. From the very first lesson, they felt at ease and confident that they were in good hands. Erin's approach is thoroughly encouraging and supportive: the student's needs come first. She is also so very talented and knowledgable, with deep, valuable experience in performance in many genres. If a student (like my youngest) decides to pursue oboe performance as a career, Erin would be a great instructor to work with. Last but not least, Erin is fun! No matter the mood my kids were in before their lessons, they left in a buoyant and motivated frame of mind.
Chris Lindgren
Added Bonuses
Our 5-Day Masterclass'
Hi, my name is Erin Brophey
Principal Oboe,
Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra
Sessional Lecturer,
University of Saskatchewan
I am currently the Principal Oboe of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra. Before this role, I spent eight seasons as the section oboe and English horn player with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Alongside my orchestral engagements, I actively pursue opportunities as a freelance musician, collaborating with various Canadian orchestras. Notable among these are the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Nova Scotia, Regina Symphony Orchestra, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Charlottetown Festival Orchestra, and Elora Festival Orchestra.
In 2000, I earned an Honours Bachelor of Music from Wilfrid Laurier University, where I had the privilege of studying under the guidance of James Mason. Continuing my education, I completed my Master of Music degree at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, under the tutelage of Cynthia Koledo de Almeida in 2002.
Beyond orchestral and solo endeavors, I have been an active participant in chamber music performances across the country. My involvement spans numerous summer festivals, including the Festival of the Sound, West Ben Festival, Elora Festival, Stratford Music Festival, Tafelmusik Summer Baroque Institute, National Youth Orchestra of Canada, L’Orchestre de la Francophonie, and the National Academy Orchestra. Most recently, I had the pleasure of performing at the Ritornello Festival alongside the Gryphon Trio.
I am also passionate about education and engagement in the musical community. Currently, I serve as a sessional lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan and take on the role of Woodwind Coach for the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra. In Saskatoon, I co-direct a community double-reed band named Squawk. My commitment extends to new music programming and running a private oboe studio. Additionally, I am honored to be part of the faculty at the Inter-Provincial Music Camp in Parry Sound, Ontario.
As part of my dedication to the oboe and its education, I have taken on the role of Director for a unique online oboe education program called the Oboe Path. This platform allows me to share my passion for the instrument and its music with a wider audience, fostering growth and appreciation for the oboe.
