About Me

Hey There!

Melissa Scott is a distinguished Canadian oboist, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for the oboe community. An accomplished orchestral musician, she serves as Principal Oboe of the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, Second Oboe & English horn of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra and has held positions with many of Canada's leading ensembles: the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. 

Her diverse performing career has also included studio recording work, back-up musician for mainstream pop artists, television productions, and several national tours of Wicked.

Equally passionate about education, Melissa is a dedicated mentor to the next generation of oboists. She maintains a thriving private studio and serves on the faculty at the Oscar Peterson School of Music of the Royal Conservatory of Music, where she is recognized for her thoughtful, encouraging, and comprehensive approach to teaching.

In 2019, Melissa founded Sandpiper Oboe Boutique, which has quickly become Canada's premier supplier of professional oboe products and an increasingly respected resource throughout North America. Through the boutique, she combines her extensive performing experience with a commitment to providing exceptional products, expert guidance, and personalized service to oboists of every level.

Expanding her expertise beyond performance and teaching, Melissa has also pursued specialized training in oboe service and repair under internationally recognized repair technician and oboist John Symer. 

This rare combination of artistry, pedagogy, technical craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship allows her to offer a uniquely comprehensive perspective on the instrument, making her a valued resource throughout the international oboe community.

Originally from Ottawa, Melissa holds a Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, an Artist Diploma from The Glenn Gould School, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Ottawa.

Throughout every aspect of her career—as performer, teacher, business owner, and repair technician—she remains dedicated to advancing the artistry and accessibility of the oboe for musicians across Canada and beyond.