Oboist and teaching artist Brian Stewart has a guiding philosophy. He believes that music is an element tightly woven into the tapestry of cultures worldwide, and through the tools music provides us, all people can express themselves and explore parts of the world far and wide. This philosophy has served Brian in all of his musical endeavors, whether it be performing works by composers of color for Rochester Youth, or working with a nonprofit music education organization that serves low-income students of color. Brian’s goal as a musician and educator is to ensure that everyone is afforded the opportunity to create and share their own musical point of view regardless of their demographics or financial situation. 

As a Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership fellow at the Eastman School of Music, Brian has worked closely with ROCmusic, a nonprofit music program in Rochester that offers tuition-free and all-inclusive music education. His experience with ROCmusic as well as performing as a member of the Representation Matters Woodwind Quintet—an ensemble that plays music by composers of color—that Brian advocates for diverse and comprehensive music education. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Brian is currently working towards a double major in Applied Oboe Performance with Professor Richard Killmer and Music Education, as well as an Arts Leadership Certificate from the Eastman School of Music. Other teachers of Brian’s include Kyle Mustain, Randall Ellis, and Hilary Phillip. When he’s not making music, Brian enjoys rock climbing, thrift shopping, reading, and French cinema.