Graham Mackenzie

The oboe has a well-deserved reputation for having a steep learning curve, and being one of the most high-maintenance instruments. The reed making, need for constant adjustments, and general instability of the oboe have deterred many musicians from playing it. One of my primary interests is to constantly seek new ways in which to make the technical aspects of oboe playing less of an impediment to musical expression. This involves seeking out or building new equipment, forming an oboe pedagogy that is both simple and comprehensive, and staying current with new ideas and trends in the field.

• Winner, Principal Oboe auditions for the Windsor and Niagara Symphony Orchestras, as well as Orchestra London.
• Winner, Music Academy of the West, Ken Murray, and Wilfrid Laurier University concerto competitions.
• Participant in the Tanglewood Music Centre, Music Academy of the West, National Repertory Orchestra, National Academy Orchestra of Canada, National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the Banff Centre, and l’Orchestre de la Francophonie Canadienne.
• Soloist with the Kitchener-Waterloo, Windsor, and Windsor Community Orchestras, as well as the Hamilton Philharmonic.

As principal oboist of three orchestras, and a frequent substitute musician in many more, I am well connected in southern Ontario and throughout Canada. There may be professional freelance work available to students who demonstrate an exceptional work ethic and playing ability. These kinds of opportunities can be a substantial leg up in a competitive field.

Living in Kitchener/Waterloo, you will have the opportunity to hear the renowned Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, and to be in close proximity to James Mason, who operates one of the best and largest oboe dealerships in North America.

The Laurier oboe studio has a long tradition of producing students who are successful orchestral musicians, teachers, and freelancers. It is an exciting, inspiring community, and we look forward to meeting you and showing you why Laurier continues to be a fantastic place to study music and the oboe!