Kelsey Maes

Dr. Kelsey Maes currently serves as a Format and Curriculum Advisor in the Graduate College at Arizona State University (ASU), and teaches music courses part-time at Phoenix College, ASU, and oboe lessons at Music & Arts. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts, Music Theory Pedagogy Certificate, and Master of Music from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Illinois. She studied oboe with Martin Schuring and John Dee. Her music theory mentors include Dr. Nicholas Shea, Dr. Lindsey Reymore, and Dr. Spencer Arias. 

Outside of academia, Dr. Maes is the International Double Reed Society (IDRS) Social Media Content Coordinator and a member of the IDRS Chamber Music Committee. As an active freelance musician, she has performed with orchestras across the country and notable performances include Celtic Woman and Pictures at an Exhibition under the direction of JoAnn Falletta. She also competed in the Coltman Chamber Music Competition and Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. She has been invited to present on various topics at the IDRS Conferences in 2024 and 2025.

As an oboe instructor, my teaching style is centered on fostering a supportive and individualized learning environment. I prioritize a balance between technical proficiency and musical expression, ensuring that students develop strong fundamentals while also encouraging creativity and personal interpretation. Drawing on my experience in music theory pedagogy, I integrate aural skills and analytical thinking into lessons, helping students understand the music beyond the notes on the page, which empowers them to make informed musical decisions independently. A key (pun intended) component of my approach is integrating basic ear training exercises rooted in current pedagogical research, addressing an area often overlooked in traditional oboe method books.

I believe in building confidence through positive reinforcement and breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to maintain continuous progress. I hope to inspire students to develop a deep, lifelong appreciation for music and the oboe, while also equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in performance and beyond.