Praised for her “uniquely subtle gradation of tone,” Carolyn Hyun Ha Oh, former principal flutist of the Washington Symphony Orchestra, enjoys a versatile career as a performer and educator in the Washington DC area. She received her degrees in flute performance from the Peabody Conservatory (BM), Indiana University (MM) and the Catholic University of America (DMA).  Her principal teachers include Vanita Jones, Thomas Robertello and Jacques Zoon, with additional coachings with the legendary Julius Baker, former principal flutist of the New York Philharmonic. 

As soloist, she has toured the U.S., England and South Africa with the New England Symphonic Ensemble.  She has also appeared as soloist with the Washington Symphony Orchestra, Montgomery College Orchestra and the Southeastern Music Center Orchestra.  As an orchestral musician, she has played principal flute at Carnegie Hall under the baton of John Rutter, as well as with the Washington Summer Opera Orchestra and the Washington Korean Symphony Orchestra, among others. She has also performed with the Chamber Orchestra of America, The Landon Symphonette and the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra at such venues as the Kennedy Center, George Mason Center for the Arts, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and Strathmore.

A prize winner of the Flute Society of Washington’s Young Artist Competition, Dr. Oh was a recipient of several awards and prizes, including the Yamaha Prize at the Julius Baker International Master Class. An active soloist and chamber musician, Dr. Oh’s playing is featured on the CD, “Chamber Music with Guitar,” with guitarist Phil Mathieu, which won the 2009 WAMMIE for best Classical recording.

 A passionate educator, Dr. Oh is on the music faculty of Montgomery College and serves as director of the MCYO (Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras) Junior Flute Choir. She serves as adjudicator for festivals and competitions and maintains an active private studio.  Her students regularly win auditions and competitions.  To read about her students’ recent achievements, please click here.