Joseph Michael Tomasso is an experienced woodwind specialist. Starting woodwind instruction at an early age with Roger Birkeland, Professor of Saxophone at Elmhurst College, Joseph spent his high school years performing in the Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts Lab Jazz Band under the direction of Rob Parton (flute / saxophone). Simultaneously, Joseph participated in the Youth Symphony of DuPage under the direction of Meng-Kong Tham (oboe / saxophone). Early awards include placing First Chair in the 2001 / 2002 Honors Band for the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) Festival (baritone / alto saxophone), as well as being named featured saxophone soloist for the IMEA Honors Orchestra Performance of Pictures at an Exhibition (alto saxophone).

Joseph holds his Undergraduate Bachelor of Music Performance degree in Saxophone / Clarinet from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2006). Primary saxophone instructors included Professor Debra Richtmeyer and interim Professor Dr. Nathan Naab. His primary clarinet instructors included Dr. Sarah E. Burk, Katrina R. Phillips, and Dr. J. David Harris. Primary Flute instructors included Jill Burlingame and Dr. Jennifer Gartley. While at UIUC Joseph participated in the University Wind Symphony (saxophone), Symphonic Band (clarinet), Philharmonia Orchestra (saxophone), Repertoire Orchestra (clarinet), New Music Ensemble (saxophone), Graduate Saxophone Quartet (Tenor saxophone) and Black Ice Undergraduate Quartet (Soprano Saxophone).

Awards include being the recipient of the W. Clyde Young Musicians Scholarship (2002-2006), Band Division Scholarship (2002-06), Woodwind Division Scholarship (2005), and two-time State Finalist for the Illinois, MTNA Chamber Music Competition. Joseph holds his Graduate Master of Music Performance Degree in Multiple Woodwind Performance (Oboe Emphasis) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2008). Primary Instructors included M. Ashley Barret (oboe), Dr. Steven Stusek (saxophone), Dr. Susan Fancher (saxophone), Dr. Michael Burns (Bassoon), Dr. Deborah Egkevist (flute, chamber music) and Dr. Sean Copeland (clarinet). While at UNCG Joseph participated in the University Wind Ensemble (solo Eb clarinet), University Orchestra (clarinet, oboe, English horn), Symphonic Band (oboe, English horn), Graduate Saxophone Quartet (tenor saxophone), and the Honors Woodwind Quintet (oboe). Joseph was also afforded the opportunity to act as a substitute member of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra (2008) on both oboe and English horn, as well as to win a substitute spot with the Louisville Symphony Orchestra (saxophone / clarinet).

Since his graduation Joseph has remained an active freelance performer and instructor in the North-Central Florida area where he maintains a large studio of oboe, saxophone, clarinet, flute and bassoon students. Current projects include chamber ensemble “Flight of the Woodchords” with pianist Amy Blackwood and woodwind duo “Ether” with Clarinetist Garrett L. Matlock. To see current performance and other events please check out the calendar section!

About Joseph

Please remember to include students name, age,
previous musical experience, and school.

Contact Joseph

Joseph M. Tomasso
Great Southern Music
(www.greatsouthernmusic.net)
OAKS MALL PLAZA
6787 West Newberry Road.
Gainesville, FL 32605
352.226.6682
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Store

Oboe Reeds.

Click here to listen to one of my Artist Reeds!

Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks for the crafting process. Orders are usually processed quickly, however I may have periods of high volume that require extra time and care on your reeds.

When requesting reeds by email, please be very specific as to what model and the quantity of reeds desired per order. Please keep orders between 1 and 5 reeds per transaction. Reeds must be paid for in full prior to the crafting process.

All reeds come with a working guarantee. If your reed ships broken, it is too hard / soft, or it generally does not function, please contact me immediately and an exchange will be made. I cannot replace neglected or misused reeds. I will do my best to honor any and all fixes as a result of my crafting.

  • Student Model $18 [beginner only]
  • Intermediate Model $20
  • Artist/Professional Model $25
    [note: all taxes are included in these prices]

STUDENT MODEL: Designed for minimal resistance and ease in performance. These reeds will suit any beginning student who is still developing a proper embouchure, yet strives for consistency and an acceptable sound. These reeds are available in Soft and Medium-Soft. NOTE: More advanced students will find these reeds to be on the softer side.

INTERMEDIATE MODEL: Designed for a student with a more developed embouchure and a darker sound. These reeds allow for the student to find a rich sound while maintaining an appropriate blend for ensemble work. Also perfect for the advancing oboist that needs a high quality reed for solo play. These reeds are available in Medium-Soft and Medium. These reeds are slightly harder and can be softened during a one-on-one consultation, if needed. Very advanced beginning players may prefer this reed to the Student Model if their embouchure is more developed.

ARTIST/PROFESSIONAL MODEL: Designed for the oboists who will not settle for anything but the best! These reeds are perfect for the advanced oboist who does not have the time to make their own reeds or the advanced woodwind doubler that does not yet know how to make their own reeds. These reeds will keep your pitch stable and your sound rich, dark, and vibrant. Perfect for auditions, solo recitals, or ensemble work. These reeds are available by request only. Please ensure to allow 2 weeks to meet the individual requirements of the player. Consultations are highly recommended with the Professional Model to ensure that they fully satisfy your needs.

Instruments and CDs.

USED INSTRUMENTS
(Contact Joseph for a current list or if you are looking for a specific model of instrument)

CDS
(Coming Soon!)