Andrea Smith

Andrea began studying saxophone in middle school and quickly developed a love for music. While attending North Dakota State University for music, she picked up oboe by chance. Upon completing her degree at NDSU, she moved to Nebraska to pursue her master’s degree in oboe performance at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she received a graduate assistantship and full scholarship. One of her highest accomplishments at UNO was being chosen as the winner of the Concerto Aria Competition, where she performed the hidden gem that is Malcolm Arnold’s Oboe Concerto. 

Since graduating, she has played in a vast variety of community and professional groups such as: Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Omaha Symphonic Winds, The Nebraska Wind Symphony, Orchestra Omaha, Kanesville Symphony, Fargo-Moorhead Symphony, Sioux City Symphony, Lincoln Symphony, Bellevue Little Theater, The Rose Theater, Omaha Community Playhouse, and so many more. In 2017, she was ecstatic to have performed with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Jordan Smith. She actively performs in pit orchestras, using the skills on all woodwinds she has learned from her studies with area woodwind mentors. As a lifelong learner, she has gained knowledge to successfully teach all woodwinds. She has also done recording work for new composers and artists.

Andrea is the music teacher at a local Montessori school and uses those skills in her teaching by offering flexibility in learning and a calm and peaceful teaching environment and demeanor. While she believes in being flexible with teaching styles and meeting students where they at, she encourages students to be empowered through personal practice and accountability.  Andrea has had students of many ages and on many different instruments win auditions for Nebraska 8th grade all-state, high school all-state, and Omaha Area Youth Orchestras.

When she is not teaching her large studio of students lessons, performing, or making oboe and English horn reeds, she enjoys spending time with her husband Tim, rescue dogs Bindi and Bailey, and five rescue cats (Ember, Owl, Ingrid, Jack and Opie). 

Andrea is a co-founder of Valley View Music and would love to take on new woodwind students. Please fill out the form below to get started.