I’m from… Philadelphia, PA

I started teaching music in… 2010

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: Albrecht Mayer (my favorite oboist), Mr. Kevin Rodgers (my h.s. band director), and Nature!

Few people know that I… can juggle!

Education: The College of New Jersey – Bachelor’s in Music Education
New York University – MM, Performance

I play and teach: Oboe, English horn, flute, saxophone, clarinet, and recorder

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I am an active multi-woodwind freelancer in NY and the surrounding areas, and I love playing any and all types of music. I’ve been principal oboist with the Brooklyn Conservatory Community Orchestra for the last 4 years, and I am a member of the indie rock band Kurt Juergens and His Fellow Americans, where I play oboe, alto sax and sing harmonies. In addition, I play with the First Street woodwind quintet, which puts on an annual performance of quintet music and invites guests to prepare short performances to incorporate as part of the program.

Bio: Alison Mari is a woodwind specialist, with particular focus on oboe and English horn. She is an active and passionate freelance musician who has worked with a wide range of ensembles, including Exit 4 Woodwind Quintet (a founding member), Astoria Symphony Orchestra, IconiQ the Soundtrack Orchestra, Regina Opera, the Joffrey Ballet and the Gloria McLean Dance Company. Her longest tenure was with the BCCO (Brooklyn Conservatory Community Orchestra), playing principal oboe from 2013-2024.

On the road, Alison performed in Sarah McLaughlin’s 2012 touring orchestra, and in the 2013 national tour of “My Fair Lady.” Locally, through Plaza Theatricals, she has played a number of musicals including “South Pacific,” “Man of La Mancha” and “Guys & Dolls.”

Alison’s oboe and English horn playing can be heard on studio recordings “Numbers & Shapes” by Rebecca Brandt, “Haiti in a Classical Mood: Larenn Soley Leve” by Michael DeVellis & Georges Vilson, “February” by Amie Amis, Earthside’s song “But What if We’re Wrong,” and on “Kennedy” by The Broadest Blue she can be heard playing multiple winds.  

When Alison’s not busy playing or teaching music, she enjoys spending time outside, playing with her cats Sookie and Nigel, attending concerts, and rearranging the furniture and art in her apartment.