ERYN OFT

Bassoonist & Educator

A bassoonist by nature Eryn gravitates toward education and pedagogy of double reeds. Since joining the faculty at Jacksonville State University in 2007, Eryn has developed a double reed studio of 23 students (community and student based) and created the JSU Double Reed Day, an annual event. In 2010 she created Raffe Reeds, internationally sold quality handmade bassoon reeds for players of all levels.

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As a performer, Eryn developed an international reputation performing with orchestras and chamber music groups throughout Europe, Mexico, the US and Canada. She has been the recipient of travel grants and artistic residencies, most notably with the Banff Centre for the Arts. Currently, Eryn has been heard performing with the Atlanta Opera, Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Ballet, Rome Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

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As an educator and clinician Eryn utilizes innovative methods to express artistic concepts, making art accessible and sparking curiosity. Following her work with Harvard Brain Scientist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, Eryn revolutionized music history pedagogy, moving away from standard memorization into ideas that unite the right and the left brain, increasing retention and substantially raising students’ national test scores. In all of her endeavors she strives to communicate and connect with audiences of all cultures and demographics.

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In her free time Eryn serves as coach for Etowah Youth Orchestra’s Endangered Instruments and the Red Brick Collective Woodwind Quintet. Prior to her work at Jacksonville State University she served as faculty at Snow College and Instructor at Indiana University.  Eryn is a graduate Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, receiving her masters and undergraduate degrees in bassoon performance with a minor in early music. Her teachers include Stephane Levesque, Kim Walker and Mark Eubanks.