Oboe, Flute, Piano
Education and awards:
- M.M. in Oboe Performance, Columbus State University
- Certificate in Public Musicology, Columbus State University
- B.S. in Psychology, Kennesaw State University, magna cum laude
- B.M. in Oboe Performance, Kennesaw State University, magna cum laude
Notable roles/performance experience:
- Experience performing piccolo, flute, oboe, and English horn in a variety of ensemble settings, including wind ensembles, symphony orchestras, church music groups, and pit orchestras for musical theater and opera productions
- Currently plays oboe with the Atlanta Wind Symphony
- Upcoming: playing baroque oboe with the Lauda Musicam Baroque Orchestra
Teaching experience:
- Private oboe teacher since 2019
- Sectional teacher at a variety of middle and high schools since 2023
- Visual technician and flute/woodwind sectional coach for marching bands since 2021
- Former graduate assistant for Dr. Wissner and the public musicology program at Columbus State University
- Current substitute teacher
Naomi has been teaching private lessons since 2019, giving her time to establish a strong personal mission as a teacher. “I want to provide a solid musical foundation, including fundamental techniques and habits that establish safe practices for long-term musicianship,” she shares. “This includes an early introduction to elements of music theory and history, and a focus on efficient and positive practice strategies that encourage overall well-being, health, and creativity in musical spaces,” she continues.
Naomi teaches the oboe/English horn, flute/piccolo, and beginner piano. While she consistently teaches and encourages proper playing technique, she simultaneously tries to tailor the lessons to the interests of each student. This might look like “focusing on technical exercises or learning pop music, while still practicing fundamental musical techniques and methods,” she explains.
Naomi enjoys making connections with her students that go beyond music or the lesson time, including making every effort to be at performances, or watching the recordings if she can’t attend. “As a bonus, I also love being invited to events or games outside of the student’s musical performances,” she shares. “I think it’s important to have passions and goals that aren’t musical, and I love seeing my students doing what they love even when it’s not music! “
Outside of music, Naomi enjoys swimming, hiking, and rock climbing. “I find joy in movement, and love trying new sports and classes for the fun of learning something new!” she shares. Naomi sees her hobbies of physical fitness and music as interrelated. “One of the reasons I’m so passionate about well-being in music is my understanding of the intersection between physical health/anatomy with how you play your instrument,” she continues.