Welcome to the UT Oboe Studio!
If you’re a dedicated oboist considering a major in music, the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music at the University of Tennessee offers a vibrant, high-achieving studio culture you’ll want to explore. Our oboe students pursue excellence in a nurturing, collaborative environment that supports both personal and musical growth.
Academics
As a student in the Double Reed program at UT, you will be part of a group of dedicated musicians committed to developing their musical and educational voice and preparing for a life of music. UT Double Reeds prides ourselves on creative exploration, supportive community, camaraderie and most of all great music making.
Undergraduate Programs
Students in the Oboe Studio may pursue either a Bachelor of Music (BM) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music, depending on their career goals and interests.
- The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree designed for students seeking advanced training in music performance, education, jazz, composition, or theory. Applied lessons are a central part of the degree for most concentrations (such as performance, education, and jazz) and may be optional in others (such as composition and theory).
- The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music is a flexible, interdisciplinary degree that allows students to study music in context with other fields such as media, business, communications, and culture. Applied lesson requirements are dependent on the chosen track.
Students should review the degree requirements carefully to see how applied lessons fit into their intended program of study.
Graduate Programs
Graduate students may pursue a Master of Music in Music Education or Music Performance with oboe as their primary area of study.
Graduate Artist Certificate
Designed for highly accomplished performers seeking to refine their artistry, the Graduate Artist Certificate offers advanced study as a stand-alone program.
Meet Professor Jaren Atherholt
A native of Alaska, Assistant Professor of Oboe Jaren Atherholt has performed to stellar reviews as a featured concerto soloist with the Louisiana Philharmonic, A Far Cry, and the Hamptons Festival of Music. Atherholt served as principal oboist of the Louisiana Philharmonic for eleven seasons and has performed as guest principal oboist with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Mineria Orchestra in Mexico City and Detroit Symphony, as well as guest associate principal oboist with the Pittsburgh Symphony and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
- Respect – respect for our work as artists and musicians, respect for one another, respect for our school, respect for our teachers, respect for those who came before us, respect for our facilities, respect for our colleagues.
- Community – supporting one another as double reed players, musicians, artists, fellow students and citizens.
- Gratitude + Appreciation – consistently fostering an attitude of gratitude for the opportunity to make music and learn along side one another.
- Ambition + Hard Work – showing up every day for our craft, dreaming big, reaching for the stars, and keeping the focus on consistent effort.
Performance Opportunities
Oboe students at UT have access to a wide range of ensemble experiences including the UT Symphony and Opera Orchestras, UT Wind Ensemble and chamber music. The oboe studio presents a studio class recital of solo and chamber repertoire each semester and hosts world renowned guest artist oboists each year for masterclasses and reed seminars. Outreach performances for Double Reed Day and other community events are also part of the oboe studio culture.
These opportunities help students grow as versatile performers while developing a strong sense of community and professional artistry.
Double Reed Day
Held each spring, Double Reed Day features performances, reed making, masterclasses, and community building for students of all ages passionate about the oboe and the bassoon.
Interested in the UT Oboe Studio?
Schedule a Music Major for a Day Experience or Building Tour!
Get a true sense of what it’s like to be a music major at UT! Sit in on classes, attend rehearsals, meet with Professor Atherholt, and tour our beautiful facilities.
Learn How To Apply
Whether you’re applying as a first-time college student, transfer student, or graduate student, admission to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is a multi-step process that includes applying to the University of Tennessee and to our college. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music offers a number of graduate teaching assistantships each academic year.
Assistantships carry a waiver of the university tuition, pays for mandatory university fees, medical coverage, and carries a monthly stipend.