How to Find an
Exceptional Oboe Teacher
Oboe lessons made easier: tips for choosing the right teacher
Rose Park
9/5/25 • 4 min read
Starting oboe lessons online or in person is an exciting step, and the teacher you choose will shape the way you learn. A professional oboe teacher can help you master the basics like posture and breath support while guiding you through reed care and tone development.
So what should you look for in an oboe teacher? Which qualifications are most important, and what questions are worth asking before your first oboe lesson?
Here are a few key things to keep in mind as you choose the right oboe teacher and get ready to start your lessons.
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Start with the professional oboe teacher
- create a personalized oboe learning plan that fits your goals
- inspire a love of music and the oboe
- motivate you to keep practicing and growing as an oboist
- give clear and detailed feedback during each lesson
- introduce you to new repertoire and broaden your playing
It’s common for oboe players to start lessons with an inexpensive, less experienced teacher, then switch to someone more experienced later on. The tricky part is that habits with posture, breath, or embouchure can stick around and be tough to unlearn. Beginning with a skilled oboe teacher helps you avoid those roadblocks and move forward with confidence.
Each oboe teacher has their own approach. Some prefer a very technical focus, while others bring in creativity and different types of music. What matters most is finding a teacher whose style matches your goals and keeps you inspired to play.
Check the teacher's educational background
Degrees in Oboe Performance or Pedagogy
Before starting oboe lessons, take a moment to learn about your teacher’s background. An oboe teacher with at least a Bachelor’s degree in oboe performance — plus real performance experience — can guide you with both skill and inspiration.
Here are some simple questions you can ask about their qualifications:
- Did you major in oboe performance or another area of music?
- Do you hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in oboe performance?
- During your studies, did you take courses in music education, music theory, history, or composition?
- Do you have training or experience in reed-making and reed adjustments for the oboe?
For Parents: If you are searching for an oboe teacher for your child, starting with someone who has a degree in oboe performance is often the best choice, even for beginners. A performance-trained teacher have solid playing skills and help your child build good habits right from the beginning.
That said, a teacher with a music education degree focused on oboe can also be a great fit for young starters. These instructors know how to make the basics — reading music, rhythm, posture, and breath support — simple and fun, and many have experience performing in school bands or orchestras, which helps them connect well with children.
Oboe Performing Experience
One of the best ways to get to know an oboe teacher is to see what kind of performing they do. Have they played in orchestras, chamber groups, or given solo recitals? Maybe they’ve even toured with ensembles at home or abroad. These experiences show a deep connection to the instrument.
Take a few minutes to look through their bio or website. If they’ve posted videos, listen in — you can often tell a lot about their approach to music just by hearing their sound.
Descriptions of playing in competitions, masterclasses, or woodwind ensembles also point to a teacher who is passionate about performing and sharing that experience with students.
Teaching Experience in Oboe
The oboe is a challenging instrument, and the right teacher makes a big difference. Ideally, your oboe teacher should have at least three years of experience teaching oboe and a clear understanding of the instrument’s demands. This includes helping students develop good embouchure, strong breath support, control over intonation, and even basic reed care.
Teachers who specialize in oboe rather than teaching multiple instruments are often the best choice. A dedicated oboe teacher has spent many years refining their skills on this instrument alone, which means they can give you detailed guidance on tone, technique, and reed management.
Background Check
Not every oboe teacher lists this online, but you should check if the teacher has done and passed a comprehensive background check, especially if the lesson is for your child. Some online oboe lesson websites, such as Lesson With You, offer free trial lessons with expert flute instructors who are fully background checked.
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14 questions to ask when contacting an oboe teacher
About the lessons
After you’ve found a few oboe teachers who look promising, it’s a good idea to reach out and ask some questions. This will give you a clear picture of how they teach and whether their style feels right for you.
- How much does each oboe lesson cost?
- What payment methods do you accept, and when is payment due?
- Do you have a cancellation policy, and are there any fees?
- If I need to miss a lesson, can I reschedule?
- Do you recommend weekly oboe lessons, or do you offer lesson packages?
- Is there a discount if more than one family member takes lessons?
About the oboe lesson curriculum
- How many oboe students do you currently teach, and what ages or levels do you work with most?
- How do you structure your oboe lesson plans? Are they tailored to each student’s goals and level?
- Do you expect oboe students to participate in recitals, juries, or competitions?
- What practice habits do you recommend for beginner oboe players compared to intermediate ones?
- Do you use oboe-specific method books, orchestral excerpts, or solo repertoire in your teaching?
- How do you teach reed care and reed adjustments for beginners? Do you introduce reed-making for students?
- How do you motivate oboe students to practice regularly and improve tone, breath control, and intonation?
- Do you give daily or weekly practice assignments to help students stay on track?
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Try a trial oboe lesson before committing
When you reach out to potential oboe teachers, ask if they offer a trial lesson. Some even provide free trials. A trial is the best way to see if the teacher’s style and personality feel like a good fit for you. During the lesson, pay attention to things such as:
- Does the teacher speak clearly, ask good questions, and listen to your answers?
- How do they guide the lesson? Is it engaging and enjoyable? Do they play the oboe to demonstrate techniques?
- What’s their personality like — friendly, calm, encouraging? Do they seem easy to connect with?
- How often do they give feedback, and is it helpful for embouchure, tone, posture, and breath support? How do you feel about their corrections or compliments?
- Do they share simple tips about oboe care or reeds that match your level?
- How do they wrap up the lesson? If they give assignments, do you leave knowing exactly what to practice next?
- What’s the pace of the lesson — too fast, too slow, or just right?
How to choose a right oboe teacher after a trial
How Much Do Oboe Lessons Cost?
On average, a half-hour oboe lesson costs about $35. Online lessons through video calls usually range between $25 and $35, while local private lessons average around $40. Group oboe lessons are sometimes more affordable, at about $20 per half hour.
Prices also vary by teacher background. Some oboe instructors without music degrees may charge around $35 an hour, while professional oboe teachers with advanced degrees typically charge $50 to $70 an hour.
Before committing, think about your budget and your learning goals. Most oboe students, especially beginners, need about 12 months of steady lessons to see real progress.
Flexible Scheduling
Lesson Reviews
When looking for an oboe teacher online or in person, always check their lesson reviews. For live online oboe lessons, reviews are usually posted on the teacher’s profile. If most reviews are positive, that’s a strong sign the teacher provides high-quality oboe instruction.
For in-person lessons, you can ask friends, neighbors, or even local musicians for recommendations. Another option is to find an oboe teacher online and ask if they also teach in your area.
Parent tip: if you’re choosing an oboe teacher for your child, look for reviews that mention patience, encouragement, and the skill to make lessons fun. These qualities often make the biggest difference for younger students.
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Rose Park
Rose Park is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where she studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees before co-founding Lesson With You. As a pianist, Rose was a prizewinner in many international piano competitions and performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Japan.