Dr. Jennifer Gookin Cavanaugh, oboist, joined The University of Montana School of Music in August, 2009, as Assistant Professor of Double Reeds and Theory.  Professor Cavanaugh is thrilled to return to her native state of Montana after ten successful years of teaching in the Midwest at Luther College, where she was Assistant Professor of Oboe, Bassoon, and Theory, and most recently at Central Michigan University’s School of Music, where she was Assistant Professor of Oboe. 

While at Central Michigan University, Dr. Cavanaugh was a member of the Powers Woodwind Quintet. She can be heard on their July 2011 release on the White Pine Music Label, which features “Gems” for the Woodwind Quintet.  She frequently performs solo and chamber music recitals throughout the United States and enjoys presenting master classes to students of all ages. She is currently the principal English horn player with the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and has held principal English horn positions with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra in Wisconsin and the Yakima Symphony Orchestra in Washington.  She has served as acting principal oboe with several other orchestras throughout the Midwest and Northwest.

Dr. Cavanaugh is a member of the International Double Reed Society and a member of Pi Kappa Lambda. Her interests include relaxation techniques for oboists as well as commissioning and performing new compositions for the oboe and English horn. She is an active performer and presenter at international, national, and regional conferences. Recent engagements include performances at the International Double Reed Society Conference, the Midwest Clinic, and the Michigan Music Conference. Professor Cavanaugh studied with Rebecca Henderson at the University of Washington (D.M.A), James Brody at the University of Colorado at Boulder (M.M.), and Tad Margelli at Central Washington University (B.M.).  She lives in Missoula with her husband, Brian, and their children, Carmen and Samuel.