Scott Bell

Artist Lecturer in Oboe

Bio

Oboist Scott Bell brings a depth of experience to the Carnegie Mellon faculty.  Originally from Fairfield, Iowa; Mr. Bell attended the Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied with John Mack.  Shortly after graduation, he became the first oboist to win First Prize in the Fernand Gillet Competition sponsored by the International Double Reed Society.  He played principal oboe for one year in the Veracruz (Mexico) Symphony.  During that year, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Veracruz.  He went on to be a member of the New Orleans Symphony, the Hartford Symphony, Glimmerglass Opera Orchestra and had a 28-year career with the Pittsburgh Symphony.  In 2019, Mr. Bell became the oboe professor on the inaugural faculty of the new campus of the Juilliard School in Tianjin, China.  During that time, he gave chamber performances, master classes and played guest principal oboe in several venues throughout China. 

In orchestral playing, Mr. Bell has appeared with the Cleveland Orchestra, the National Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra and others.  As a teacher, he has been on the faculties of Northern Illinois University, Tulane Unversity, Duquesne University and others.  He has also been involved in the John Mack Oboe Camp helping carry on the teaching tradition of his teacher.   Mr. Bell continues to give master classes throughout the world.

In addition to his studies with John Mack, Mr. Bell has worked with oboists Elaine Douvas, Marc Lifschey, Peter Bowman and Gladys Elliot.

Outside of music, Mr. Bell is an enthusiastic competitive bridge player.