Barbara LaFitte

Barbara LaFitte

Oboe, English Horn, Educator

“Music is a language, that we want to understand, communicate emotions through our chosen instruments, and connect with people from all worlds!”.

I have been a professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston for 30 years. I am also available on a flexible individual basis to help you enjoy your music even more.

Online Music

Ms. LaFitte is available for private lessons on the oboe, or any instrument, to improve their relationship with their instrument, ability to make better practice sessions, and understand how to make a great phrase in music.

EFFICIENT PRACTICING TECHNIQUES – Berklee Online

Working through your practice routine, we will discover steps that will help you retain your skills more efficiently.

PRIVATE LESSONS – Online

Study privately with Barbara and work on topics such as Audition Preparation, Efficient Practice Techniques, and Circular Breathing.

From Barbara’s Students

Barbara LaFitte is one of the most enthusiastic and nurturing teachers that I have ever worked with. She consistently does an incredible job of supporting her students and making sure that every learning outcome is reached. With an extensive performance resume as a high level performer, Barbara brings years of experience (in several styles of music) to everything that she does. Her excellent communication skills, spirit of collaboration, and high level musicianship make Barbara LaFitte an extremely valuable teaching resource!

Walter Smith III, Internationally renowned sax guru and chair of the Woodwind Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
I took lessons from Barbara awhile back and was thrilled when she was willing to take me on again despite her busy schedule. She is an outstanding musician, making the oboe sing so beautifully when she plays, as she demonstrates what a particular piece might sound like. The lessons are always interesting, fun, light hearted and filled with lots of laughs. No matter how I might play a piece she always finds a positive aspect of my playing to highlight. She is a teacher to her core, often throwing in information about music theory that helps me understand the music on a higher level. Because she is so personable and easy to connect with, she makes practicing and playing the oboe fun. My lessons with Barbara are truly a joy.
Candy, Adult Amateur Oboe Student

From my experience, Barbara makes her students feel like colleagues rather than just students because she values every musician’s potential to be a professional in the music industry. Through Barbara’s encouragement, I had the opportunity to study as a clarinetist in the Prague Summer Nights Music Festival and continue my passion for performing in addition to composing. Barbara is a teacher who embraces students from every musical background and creates a welcoming space for everyone’s goals.

Ana Miriam Vázquez Landeros, Composer and Clarinetist, Berklee Graduate

Barbara LaFitte is a consummate artist-educator. She has spent a career reflecting on how best to guide her fortunate students on their pathways to
artistry. Barbara LaFitte has a wealth of knowledge and has brilliantly developed tangible tools to teach the students to teach themselves. I am in awe!

Marianne Gedigian, Professor of Flute, Rice University, Houston, TX

Barbara is a dynamic, passionate, knowledgeable and truly enjoyable teacher. She’s the type of instructor that you get excited about learning with. She’ll help
you learn how to improve your playing and career with her vast tool box of ideas, inspirations, creative thinking, connections and insights. She’s not afraid to try
new things, go down unexplored paths and research unique possibilities. She truly does “Think Outside the Bachs” (her phrase)

Nancy Rumbel, GRAMMY Award-Winning Oboist and Composer