Saxophone Studies at the University of Oregon
Professor Idit Shner inspires students through her playing; she is continually pushing her students for better technique, resonant tone, and expressive air stream.
Students from all programs, undergraduate and graduate alike can take lessons in classical and jazz styles. In addition to private lessons, students attend a weekly master class presented by professor Shner.
Studio members are exposed to the elite of classical performers, benefiting from visits by Otis Murphy, Kenneth Tse and Prism saxophone Quartet. World-renowned jazz saxophonists Seamus Blake, Rich Perry, and Dick Oatts also worked with UO saxophonists.
Shner’s students won the UO Concerto Competition in 2016, 2015, 2012 and 2008. Saxophonists won Downbeat magazine awards and various jazz arranging awards. Jazz saxophonists from the UO are often recognized at the Reno Jazz Festival, winning prizes for outstanding musicianship and outstanding saxophone playing practically every year. In 2008 the Ross Saxophone Quartet was a finalist at the Fischoff and Coleman competitions.
Former Shner students currently teach saxophone in Colorado Christian University, Central Washington University, Portland State University, and Willamette University. Over a dozen teach music in high school and middle school band programs throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Shner is the recent recipient of two prestigious university-wide awards: the Faculty Excellence Award (2016) and the Herman Award (2015) for Excellence in Pedagogy.