Studio Overview

Students in Galit Kaunitz’s oboe studio are taught to view the music learning process as a means of discovering their unique learning style. Playing the oboe requires focus, analytical thinking, creativity, bravery, and perseverance. Dr. Kaunitz believes that encouraging the growth of these qualities makes students better musicians and people. Emphasis is given to establishing strong fundamental skills, and students are taught how to maximize efficiency and relaxation in breathing, posture, and hand position.

Students are also encouraged to learn chamber music, solo repertoire, and orchestral excerpts. Repertoire varies according to individual needs and interests, and exposure to new music and styles is highly prioritized. Students are encouraged to explore music that includes well-known standards and hidden gems of the repertoire.

CSU oboe students are given access to the oboe reed room and reed-making equipment. Each person participates in a weekly applied lesson, reed class, and studio class, and students audition each semester to participate in the school’s bands and orchestra. CSU’s oboe studio embodies a culture of creativity, support, hard work, and excellence!

Foundations of Technique

Oboists at CSU learn the building blocks of technique and style, including articulation, breathing, dynamic control, sound production, embouchure, and phrasing. Students generally work out of the Barret Oboe Method, Pares Scale Studies, Andraud Scale Studies, and Hite Foundation Studies for Oboe. Advanced students explore etudes from the Ferling 48 Famous Studies for Oboe, Bozza 18 Etudes, and Debondue 24 Melodic Etudes. The ultimate goal is to expand technical ability and establish a deeper understanding of musical phrasing. Regardless of access to prior instruction and opportunities, every musician can learn to be intentionally musical. At CSU, we meet students where they are and help them become the best musicians they can be.

Performance Opportunities

Students audition each semester to participate in CSU’s renowned ensembles: Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, University Symphony Orchestra, and chamber music. In each ensemble, students learn from and collaborate with faculty and peers in the pursuit of excellence. Through these ensembles, students are given opportunities to learn incredible repertoire and travel around the world. Students enrolled in chamber music receive weekly coaching from CSU faculty and are encouraged to develop good practice habits, learn how to prepare for performances and work together effectively.

Studio and Reed Class

Each week, the CSU oboe studio comes together for reed class, where we learn the process of becoming independent reed makers, and studio class, where we develop our performance skills through creative group activities and guest artist master classes. Activities may include performing for each other, teaching each other, oboe Jeopardy, sight reading chamber music, and more. Studio class is an opportunity to perform and develop pedagogical skills necessary for future endeavors as teachers in the classroom and private lessons. Reed and studio classes are also opportunities to bond with fellow studio mates and form connections that will last a lifetime.