Dr. Olivier Blakney

I am an Assistant Professor at Mount Allison University after receiving my doctorate from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. In addition to my university teaching experience I have been teaching online lessons for all levels since 2015. 

As a soloist I have been a Contributing Artist at the International Horn Symposium and will have my debut solo album released in 2025 as well as regular orchestra and chamber music engagements. 

With the Volante Winds Quintet I have performed at the Mineral Point Chamber Music Festival in Wisconsin, the Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival, the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival in Jeju South Korea, the American Music Festival in Morehead City North Carolina, and Chamber Music Wilmington. Volante Winds were also named as semifinalists in the 2018 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and a semifinalist in the 2017 Plowman Chamber Music Competition. 

I have been teaching online horn lessons since 2015, helping multiple students get into Universities as music majors.  I have experience teaching students ages 9-75 and I emphasize practical advice to help them improve and reach their horn playing goals. 
Student reviews include - 
"Olivier is patient, knowledgeable and is willing to tell you about many fun facts about music. Learning with Olivier is fun and exciting." - Ben Li (age 10)

"Olivier has without a doubt helped my daughter improve in ways that I (as a former French Horn player) could not. He is patient and pleasant as well as intelligent. Most importantly he has given my daughter the necessary tools she's needed. He doesn't just say "play higher" or "do it again". Instead he tells her exactly HOW she can get better and exactly WHAT techniques she needs to do to improve. I have seen a noticeable difference in 8 lessons and look forward her future success with Olivier." - DJ Shimick, (parent of 11th grade student)

"Our son has been taking Horn lessons from Mr. Olivier for a year and a half (our son has only been playing horn for that amount of time) and loves it. Olivier doesn't just teach notes, he always takes care to foster musicality in our son. He has supported and helped our son prepare for All-Districts and Youth Symphony auditions where our son has secured first chair in both. We truly believe our son would not be this successful without Mr. Olivier's guidance. If you are interested in growing musically while mastering this beautiful instrument, he is the teacher for you! Always finding new pieces, and warm-up exercises to keep our son excited! Thank you Mr. Olivier" - Chantal Regin (parent of 10th grade student)

I would love to work with you towards whatever your goals with horn are!