We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erin Hannigan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erin below.

Hi Erin, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I started playing the oboe when I was 7 years old, after my dad suggested it. I tried one out and actually got a sound out of it; everyone was very impressed!

The next few years revolved around learning the basics of how to play a wind instrument (and a finicky one at that!) while also learning to read music. I loved every bit of it, as it was a detailed process that kept me constantly challenged and curious.

I was very serious by the time I was 12 years old, and already thought this was something I might pursue as my livelihood. I had yet to learn so much of the art, but each step drew me in further!

I started the art of oboe reed making in 7th grade, which is the hidden part of the craft that the general concert-goer doesn’t realize. Professional oboists make every single reed that we play on, and each one only lasts a matter of hours of playing. It is said that an oboist needs to fill a laundry basket full of terrible reeds before starting to make good ones, and I experienced that very scenario! I do love working with my hands, so this stage of learning also kept me intrigued.

I studied very seriously in high school, and all of my extracurricular activities revolved around music. I studied with the Principal Oboe of the Baltimore Symphony (a 90-minute drive from where we lived in Pennsylvania), as well as weekly lessons with the teacher who started me on the oboe. I was starting to see the path to my dreams of becoming an orchestral musician clearly, but the next step was to get into a top conservatory of music.

I attended the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music for a Bachelors Degree in Oboe Performance followed by the Eastman School of Music for my Master’s Degree in Music, and studied with two of the most incredible masters of both music and life. I learned every corner of the art form, and graduated with every bit of knowledge needed to go out and start taking professional auditions. I won my first one with the Rochester (NY) Philharmonic the day before I started my Master’s Degree, and I got the very best on-the-job training possible! The next job I won was a position with the Milwaukee Symphony but I won the Dallas Symphony job two weeks later and chose that one.
It’s 21 years later, and I’m still thrilled and thankful to be here every single day!

Erin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am the Principal Oboist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Adjunct Professor of Oboe at Methodist University, and Co-Founder of the nonprofit Artists for Animals, which organizes performances which raise money for local animal rescue organizations. I also teach a very small studio of private students who are interested in learning the art of playing the oboe.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think the question I get asked most often is “what do you REALLY do for a living?” I don’t mind the question one bit, because it gives me an opportunity to explain that performing with a professional orchestra is a full-time job, with even more hours spent in preparation as on the stage. We do 4 concert a week, plus 5 rehearsals leading up to those performances. Many of us also teach young professionals to help them reach their dreams.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is the change the world around me for the better. I try to do that with each and every performance, doing my best to touch someone with music. I also love to use this unique art to raise awareness and funds for others who need help. We have raised over $350,000 through Artists for Animals, and that makes every single moment of hard work and dedication worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.erinhannigan.com
• Instagram: @erinhanniganoboe
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannigan1
• Linkedin: Erin Hannigan
• Other: www.artistsforanimalstx.org

Image Credits
Teresa Berg Sylvia Elzafon