Masterclass: David Cyzak, oboe

Dr. David Cyzak is Visiting Assistant Professor of Oboe at the University of Iowa. He has previously taught at Middle Tennessee State University, Bradley University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and several other institutions. An active performer, he is Principal Oboist of the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra and has held positions with the Illinois Symphony, Peoria Symphony, Sinfonia da Camera, and Heartland Festival Orchestra, among others. He has also performed with numerous regional orchestras and appears on Naxos and Nimbus Records.

Cyzak's performance career has taken him nationwide, from Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles to Mark Twain’s drawing room in Hartford, CT. He has given masterclasses and recitals at universities including DePaul, Ball State, Penn State, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Passionate about contemporary music, he works closely with living composers to premiere new works and expand the expressive reach of classical music.

He served on the Executive Board and as Director of Symphonic Services for the American Federation of Musicians Local 301 and played a key role in negotiating a three-year contract with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra Players Committee.

Originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Dr. Cyzak holds a Doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied with John Dee. His research focuses on advanced techniques in Vinko Globokar’s works for oboe and English horn. He earned his master’s and Artist Diploma from The Hartt School under Humbert Lucarelli and his bachelor’s from Oberlin Conservatory, studying with James Caldwell, Robert Walters, and Alex Klein.