Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination…

“I began taking lessons with Kirstin when I was ten years old. She was patient with me and gave me the specialized instruction needed to improve my technique and musicianship as a young oboe player. A few years later, Kirstin started integrating reed making instruction into my lessons, which gave me a head start as a music education major in college. Now a music teacher myself, I still draw on Kirstin’s pedagogy when working with my own students. Kirstin has truly made a lifelong impact on me both as a musician and as a music educator.”

"I began playing the oboe over 3 years ago as a freshman in high school. Although I was already a musician, the oboe proved to be very challenging! I feel I have come a long way in such a short amount of time because of Kirstin's guidance. She has helped me improve technique, tone quality, musicality, and countless other aspects of playing the instrument. She also helped me choose the best oboe to purchase for my level, and we've even begun reedmaking. I trust her judgement and she always provides criticism in a constructive, friendly manner. She is also always available should you have a question in between lessons... and she has saved the day during my many last minute reed crises! Kirstin is a fantastic instructor and I would recommend her to any prospective students and individuals interested in any and all things related to the oboe."

"I have been taking lessons with Kirstin for the past 8 years and would highly recommend her to any oboist in need of instruction. Kirstin has taught me almost everything I know about the oboe and has helped me go from a shy fifth-grader who wasn't sure if she even wanted to play the oboe to a confident oboist who can make her own reeds and has passion for music. Kirstin is supportive and provides students with the skills they need to improve their playing ability, tone, and even reedmaking. Kirstin is friendly and has inspired me to challenge myself to constantly improve my playing."

"I am a college student and I have been taking lessons with Kirstin since last fall. She's an absolutely fantastic teacher who has taught me so much about the oboe. She's taught me literally everything I know about reed making, and has helped me (and continues to help me) improve my tone and range among various other things. She really cares for her students and is an absolutely wonderful musician. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking to take great oboe lessons!"

"I took private lessons from Kirstin all throughout middle and high school. She was an absolutely wonderful teacher who really cared about her students. She challenged me yet was so encouraging at the same time. She also taught me how to make my own reeds and gave me a lot of coaching and practice in that area. When I had access to an English horn, Kirstin helped me to learn to play that as well. Kirstin is a very gifted teacher, talented musician, and caring person. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a great oboe teacher!"

 "I am a college student who has been taking lessons from Kirstin for three years. Kirstin has been a great mentor in the transition from high school to college repertoire, and she knows how to successfully blend a student's previous knowledge with new knowledge. She has taught me nearly everything I know about reed-making (including how to finish my own reeds!) and continues to develop my tone and technique. In addition to being an exceptional musician, Kirstin is a conscientious mentor who gives only the best advice! Any double reed player would be lucky to have Kirstin as a teacher."

"Kirstin has an infinite amount of patience. This is a very necessary trait for someone who teaches an instrument, which is extremely complex and difficult to play. The oboe instruction book series that Kirstin uses is effective and challenging. It is fun to play the familiar classical and folk music pieces that are mixed in with the lesson exercises. Nothing is perfect, and the series does have some weak points. However, Kirstin has done an excellent job of putting together additional instructional materials to compensate for the weaknesses.

I have always been rather challenged when it comes to rhythm. However, Kirstin has taught me several techniques that have helped me to overcome talent deficiency.

Kirstin is an excellent teacher. I really enjoy working with her, and I am certain that any student who brings the right measure of motivation to the lesson will also enjoy his or her time with Kirstin."