Christopher Gaudi

Oboist and Teacher

About

Since 2001, Christopher Gaudi has had the great privilege of playing with a number of the top American orchestras, teaching across the United States, and performing around the world.

He has served as the Acting Associate Principal Oboe of the San Francisco Symphony (five seasons), the Acting Assistant Principal Oboe of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. (two seasons), as interim Professor of Oboe at the University of Indiana Bloomington, and as Principal Oboe in the San Diego Symphony (two seasons).

Mr. Gaudi has also served as Guest Principal Oboe with the Aspen Chamber Orchestra and the Atlanta, Seattle, and Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestras, as well as being a frequent substitute with the Metropolitan Opera.

In addition, he has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Auckland Philharmonia and Orchestra Wellington in New Zealand, and for multiple occasions at The White House.

Mr. Gaudi has participated in numerous festivals including Aspen, Kent/Blossom, Mainly Mozart, Mostly Mozart, Spoleto (Italy), the New York String Orchestra Seminar, and the Interlochen Arts Camp and has presented masterclasses at the Aspen Music Festival, the Colburn School, Interlochen, and the Hidden Valley Music Seminars.

As a student of Elaine Douvas and John Mack, he received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from The Juilliard School.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe the knowledge passed from one generation of oboists to the next is sacred knowledge that should be shared without reservation. It’s my turn to pass on what I’ve learned, and I’m happy for this opportunity to share with you now.

If you’re serious about taking your oboe playing to the next level, no matter if you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, the lesson I’ve put together for you will help you do exactly that.

Some people might call it a simple “warm-up routine” and in a way, they’re right. It is simple, and you can certainly use it as a “warm-up routine” but it is far more powerful than that. What I’ve put together for you is a series of progressive exercises that naturally encompass all aspects of playing the oboe. If you take the time to think through and master each concept presented, all aspects of your oboe playing will improve naturally and automatically. I call this series of exercises “Back To Basics”.

Unlike practicing at the surface level of etudes, excerpts and solo pieces, these exercises go deep into the fundamental roots of healthy oboe playing and focus on the most important aspects of playing the oboe, which is air control or “holding the air”. That is why the first exercise in the lesson begins there.

At first glance, these exercises may seem overly simple, but I encourage you to take some time, think through and master each concept. There are worlds within this six part lesson.

The more carefully you listen, the more you’ll hear, and you might even be surprised in just after a few days how much you enjoy and look forward to practicing these exercises!

In addition, over the years, I have been asked many times about double tonguing. So, I have written out my entire philosophy on how to develop and master this invaluable skill, in a handout, also available for download.

To your success!

I believe the knowledge passed from one generation of oboists to the next is sacred knowledge that should be shared without reservation. It’s my turn to pass on what I’ve learned, and I’m happy for this opportunity to share with you now.

If you’re serious about taking your oboe playing to the next level, no matter if you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, the lesson I’ve put together for you will help you do exactly that.

Some people might call it a simple “warm-up routine” and in a way, they’re right. It is simple, and you can certainly use it as a “warm-up routine” but it is far more powerful than that. What I’ve put together for you is a series of progressive exercises that naturally encompass all aspects of playing the oboe. If you take the time to think through and master each concept presented, all aspects of your oboe playing will improve naturally and automatically. I call this series of exercises “Back To Basics”.

Unlike practicing at the surface level of etudes, excerpts and solo pieces, these exercises go deep into the fundamental roots of healthy oboe playing and focus on the most important aspects of playing the oboe, which is air control or “holding the air”. That is why the first exercise in the lesson begins there.

At first glance, these exercises may seem overly simple, but I encourage you to take some time, think through and master each concept. There are worlds within this six part lesson.

The more carefully you listen, the more you’ll hear, and you might even be surprised in just after a few days how much you enjoy and look forward to practicing these exercises!

In addition, over the years, I have been asked many times about double tonguing. So, I have written out my entire philosophy on how to develop and master this invaluable skill, in a handout, also available for download.

To your success!

Student Feedback

"I really loved how you took one concept, (sustaining a long musical line) and described it to me in multiple ways until I started to grasp what you were saying. I really liked that you weren't satisfied until you could tell that I understood a concept you were teaching me, it showed that you actually cared if I retained the information or not. At the very end of the lesson, you gave me very specific things to work on in the future to reach my full potential, and that was super helpful!"
Bobby Nunes
"I really enjoyed studying with Mr. Gaudi. His advice is very insightful and encouraging. One of the main things I took away from our lessons together was how to better look at the big picture. Mr. Gaudi showed me how to take the music off the page and make it sing. I had been so bogged-down with tiny details, it was like a rediscovery of my love for music. I've noticed that Mr. Gaudi is very good at tailoring advice based on each student's individual challenges."
Daniel Gurevich
"Studying with Chris has provided me with comprehensive support as an oboist. His reed making, lessons and musical coaching have taken my oboe playing and musicianship to a higher level in a very short time. As an inspiring orchestral and solo oboist, Chris has supported my endeavor in the lineage I am accustom to. From the basics to the refined result, He gracefully guides you there. I chose Chris as a teacher after reading his Blog and comparing him to other professional Oboists because I sensed that he was open-minded and eager to share his knowledge and I was right!"
Bonnie Williamson
"Chris is a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of oboe playing and reedmaking. He has corrected the way I utilize my air, embouchure, and tongue so that I can play with a more focused tone and smoothness of line. Though these are fundamental aspects of playing well, I had developed bad habits that were overlooked by former teachers. I made immediate progress with Chris in this regard, and less than a year of studying with him, I auditioned for and was accepted to a MM program at a competitive conservatory. In addition, Chris's sincerity and patience as a teacher make for a comfortable learning environment."
Virginia Kao

Contact

If you are interested in sending a message, asking a question, or getting in touch to arrange a playing or reed making lesson, please use the form below.

    Copyright ©  Christopher Gaudi. All Rights Reserved.