John Upton

Joining the MSM Woodwinds and Orchestral Performance faculty for Fall 2026:

John Upton is Principal Oboe of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Before that appointment he freelanced extensively throughout New York City. Mr. Upton performed frequently with the New York Philharmonic on both oboe and English horn. He has also performed with the New York City Ballet Orchestra, the American Ballet Theater Orchestra and The Knights.

Before moving to New York City, Mr. Upton was Principal Oboe of The Florida Orchestra. He was also a member of the New World Symphony and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. He has performed as guest principal oboist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Other guest performances include the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra.

Mr. Upton began his studies at the Eastman School of Music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree. Upon graduation, he was awarded the prestigious Performer’s Certificate, the school’s highest performance prize. Mr. Upton continued his studies at The Juilliard School, where he received his Master of Music degree. His most influential teachers include Nathan Hughes, Richard Killmer, and Nancy Ambrose King.

After receiving first prize in the International Double Reed Society’s biennial Young Artist Competition, Upton was awarded a solo recital at the 2010 International Double Reed Society conference. He was also a featured soloist with The Florida Orchestra, performing the Mozart Oboe Concerto, as well as a featured soloist at the New World Symphony Gala in 2020.

Mr. Upton keeps a busy summer schedule and has performed at many summer festivals including the Verbier Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, Mainly Mozart, Classical Tahoe, and the Sun Valley Music Festival. Last summer he performed and taught at the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan.