معرفی
Laura Medisky serves as Instructor of Oboe at Northern Illinois University's School of Music within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. An active performer with the Madison Symphony Orchestra and former acting principal oboe of the Rockford Symphony and Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, she maintains a dual career in performance and pedagogy. Her 25+ years as an AmSAT-certified Alexander Technique teacher uniquely informs her approach to musical training.
Dr. Medisky holds a D.M.A. from University of Wisconsin-Madison, M.M. from UCLA, and B.M. from Arizona State University, with Alexander Technique certification from Alexander Technique Center Urbana. Her professional journey includes teaching appointments at University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Luther College, Maranatha Baptist University, Edgewood College, and Festival Música das Esferas in Brazil.
Her research integrates performance practice with somatic education, focusing on how Alexander Technique principles optimize technical execution and mental focus. This manifests in innovative teaching methodologies like her 'Oboe Dojo' framework that reimagines fundamental practice. She champions new music through collaborations with composers and entrepreneurial ventures including the LunART Festival and wind quintet Black Marigold.
Dr. Medisky's professional recognition includes features in Double Reed journal and the 'Mavericks' podcast series for her studio teaching innovations. Her national presence is evidenced by masterclasses at institutions including Georgia State University and Southeast Missouri State, plus performances at International Double Reed Society conferences.
As an educator, she guides students through applied oboe instruction while emphasizing the mind-body connection essential for sustainable performance careers. Her studio cultivates both technical excellence and artistic individuality, preparing students for diverse musical pathways through practical tools for practice efficiency and performance resilience.
Key initiatives include co-founding the LunART Festival (2018) to amplify women in music and leading the wind quintet Black Marigold (2012-2019). These projects exemplify her commitment to expanding performance contexts while mentoring emerging artists in collaborative creation and arts leadership.
