Welcome to the Studio

Where oboists thrive!

A place where students love to learn, discover their creativity, and find a community of other oboists.

Ann Lemke Oboe Studio aims to foster a lifelong love of music through teaching the skill of playing this uniquely beautiful double reed instrument. In 2000, Ann Lemke began as the Oboe Instructor at Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and also offered private lessons in her studio in Troy, Michigan. Since the first Oboe Studio Recital in Kingswood Auditorium with 10 students, her studio has grown to offer quality instruction to oboists of all ages – from early elementary to adults. Since March 2020 Ann Lemke has offered the same quality instruction online. Her unique and personal teaching expertise is now available to oboists everywhere!

Watch a short video overview here! Click to watch

Quality instruction for all ages & levels

Special guidance for students preparing their college applications.

Graduates of our studio have been admitted to highly selective colleges including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, The University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon, Wesleyan University, Washington University in St. Louis, NYU, the University of Michigan, Boston College, UC Irvine, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and BYU School of Music, among others.

 
Young oboe student of Dr. Ann Lemke smiles in blue shirt

Young oboists

Ann Lemke is recognized as an expert at teaching young oboists, and has developed special methods so that young beginners have fun with music and develop good habits from the start!

High school student of Dr. Ann Lemke at outdoor lesson

Middle & High School oboists

Middle School & High School students may be switching from another instrument, preparing for youth orchestra and high school chair placement auditions, playing at Solo & Ensemble Festival, and learning reed making. High School juniors and seniors especially value Dr. Lemke’s guidance with their college application process.

Adult oboe student of Dr. Ann Lemke at outdoor lesson

Adult oboists

Some adults have always loved the oboe and wanted to learn to play it, others are returning to the instrument after not having played in years, while others want to keep up their skills and learn new repertoire.

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Ann Lemke Oboe Studio offers

Valuable opportunities for the developing musician

  • individualized instruction for all ages — 1st grade through adult

  • private online oboe lessons

  • in-person private lessons offered at 2 locations: Troy studio and Cranbrook School

  • annual Oboe Studio Recitals

  • annual Oboe Party with music, refreshments and holiday cheer!

  • annual Summer Oboe Seminar group instruction

  • occasional Master Classes with distinguished guest artists

Versatile instruction for the well-rounded musician

  • reed-making instruction

  • music theory fundamentals

  • ensemble coaching

  • instruction on the English horn

  • instruction in basic instrument adjustment

  • mentor program to help advanced students develop teaching methods and skills

Excellent resources

  • expert advice in selecting an oboe—whether it’s a rental or a lifelong investment

  • knowledgeable directions for care and maintenance of the instrument

  • basic repair services available on the premises

  • selected oboe sheet music, accessories and reed-making supplies available for purchase at the studio

  • repertoire selection from a large collection of sheet music and recordings

  • assistance preparing for Solo & Ensemble festival from a trained adjudicator

  • assistance preparing recordings for auditions and applications

  • letters of recommendation supplied for camp and scholarship applications

Open communication

  • periodic email updates: helpful tips, opportunities, auditions, & student achievements!

  • parents are welcome to observe instruction

  • your teacher also is a parent!

Testimonials

“My son has been training both in-person and virtually with Dr. Lemke for 2 years. We love her positive, supportive nature! Her engaging musical activities and ear training have helped him grow into a solid beginner oboist. He looks forward to his weekly lessons, learning about reed making, and about the larger world of music. We’re grateful to have Ann as his instructor and highly recommend her!”

— Amelia Pleasant Kennedy

“My son has been a student of Ann's for nine years. We have always been grateful and proud to be part of her successful studio. Ann's genuine love of music and her dedication to her students is inspiring. It is heartwarming to witness the joy that Ann has for her students' musical discoveries and growth.”

— Karli Naglick

“Our daughter, Ellorie, has been a student of Dr. Lemke's for 2 1/2 years. Ann is not only an amazing musician, but an amazing teacher and mentor. She is constantly encouraging our daughter to grow and push herself as an oboist. She provides so many outside opportunities for her studio by inviting in guest artists and teachers (both in person and online), and helping her students prepare auditions for community ensembles and solo and ensemble events.

When we were all forced into online learning, Dr. Lemke transitioned her studio to lessons online and fully invested in the technology needed to continue to work meaningfully with students throughout. Perhaps most importantly though, Ellorie is able to let go of whatever may be bothering her in her day and connects with her music during her lessons. We so appreciate Ann for helping her find that part of herself.”

— Janice Krum

“Dr. Lemke is a very dedicated oboe instructor. She has great patience with her students. She inspires the students to work on their skills, and cheers for their achievements. She is also a great advisor for parents because she always generously shares her recommendations about the musical programs such as musical summer camps and local symphony orchestra youth programs. Each year, she hosts a master class by inviting outstanding professional oboists to advise the students and demonstrate oboe techniques.

Many students study oboe with Dr. Lemke for many years until they graduate from high school. My son, Michael, started lessons with her when he was a fifth-grader. Now, he is a junior. Dr. Lemke continues to inspire him to learn and enjoy playing oboe every week.”

— Diana Chen