Lisa Read is a professional oboist and educator based in Boulder, Colorado. She currently serves as Principal Oboe with the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra and the Longmont Symphony Orchestra. Her musical path has been shaped by a deep commitment to collaboration, chamber music, and expressive orchestral performance.
Lisa earned her Bachelor of Music in Oboe Performance from the Eastman School of Music, her Master’s degree from the USC Thornton School of Music, and her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Oboe Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder. An active performer, Lisa has extensive experience across orchestral and chamber music settings and has studied and performed on baroque oboe, oboe d’amore, and English horn. Her artistic interests center on collaborative music-making and historically informed performance, both of which inform her approach as a performer and teacher.
In addition to performing, Lisa specializes in oboe reed making and cane processing, crafting reeds for oboists at all levels. She is passionate about helping students develop their individual musical voices — whether through technical mastery of the instrument, intuitive reed making, or deeper artistic connection to the music. Lisa is dedicated to fostering growth, confidence, and curiosity in a supportive, community-centered learning environment.
Outside of music, Lisa enjoys spending time with her pets, painting, dancing, and making music with friends.