Classical Trailblazer Ron Cohen Mann to lead Oboe Studio at Laurier

Aug. 4, 2021

With great excitement, the Faculty of Music would like to welcome Ron Cohen Mann (he/they) to the position of Oboe Contract Academic Faculty. Ron will officially begin leading Laurier’s Oboe Studio in September 2021.

Ron is a graduate of the Artist Diploma program at the Yale School of Music. He earned his MMus at Mannes School of Music and his BMus at the University of British Columbia where he was awarded the UBC Medal in Music.

Ron Cohen Mann, a.k.a. oboeron, brings brightness and optimism to the oboe world through his popular Instagram and YouTube channel. He has been hailed as the "Jonathan Van Ness of the oboe" (CBC Music) and proudly projects his queer identity as a role model for LGBTQ youth. Ron was recently included in CBC’s 30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians under 30 list, is a Howarth Artist, and plays on a Howarth XL oboe.

“Ron’s talent and pedagogy on oboe coupled with his spirited social media presence has positioned him as a trailblazer in how classical music is positioned in 2021,” says Cynthia Johnston Turner, dean of the Faculty of Music. “We are thrilled he is joining the Faculty of Music and we know his teaching philosophies of fostering a love of music while setting high standards for his students will align seamlessly with our approaches.”

Ron is passionate about advancing the oboe as a solo voice in recitals and chamber music. His solo debut at Carnegie Hall was with harpist Noël Wan. He was a prizewinner at the OSM Manulife Competition and winner of the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition. A champion of new music, Ron has premiered works by Jocelyn Morlock, Nicky Sohn, and Matthew Emery.

Feeling equally at home within the orchestra, Ron has appeared with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Symphony Orchestras of Kingston, Kitchener-Waterloo, Niagara, and Windsor. 

"I am thrilled to be joining the Faculty of Music at Laurier, which has a history of exemplary oboe playing,” says Ron Cohen Mann. “With its exceptional offerings in the realms of theory, community music, and music therapy, I am confident this is an excellent institution from which to acquire a well-rounded musical education.”

For more information about how to apply to Laurier’s Bachelor of Music and Oboe Studio or to book a trial lesson with Ron Cohen Mann email choosemusic@wlu.ca.

Be sure to follow Ron Cohen Mann on his social platforms:

Personal website: www.oboeron.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/oboeron
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/oboeron