Gregory Oakes

Gregory Oakes is a distinguished clarinetist and educator currently serving as a Professor of Clarinet at Iowa State University - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences since February 2018, following a tenure as Assistant Professor of Clarinet at the same institution beginning in August 2008. Oakes also holds the position of Principal Clarinet with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra since July 2011 and participates as a performer and instructor at The Cortona Sessions, which focuses on contemporary music study and collaboration. Previous educational roles include Assistant Professor of Clarinet at the University of Southern Mississippi and Bemidji State University. Oakes began their professional orchestral career as a 2nd/E-Flat Clarinet with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra from December 1996 to May 2001. Oakes holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder and both master's and bachelor's degrees in Music Performance from DePaul University and Michigan State University, respectively.