Joseph Shalita is a professional oboist, reed maker, and music educator with over 35 years of orchestral performance experience. He has served as Principal Oboe of the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra since 2005 and has been a performing member of the Mexico City Woodwind Quintet since 1993. He is the founder of makingoboereeds.com and Shalita Oboe Reeds, where he teaches the American-style long scrape reed making method rooted in the Marcel Tabuteau Philadelphia tradition.

Training & Credentials

Joseph Shalita earned a Bachelor of Music from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, studying with Joseph Turner, and a Master of Music from the Mannes College of Music under John Ferrillo. He began his orchestral career as Assistant Principal Oboe of the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra in 1990 and was appointed Principal Oboe in 2005 — a position he has held for over 20 years.

He currently serves on the faculty of four Mexican music institutions: the National Center for the Arts, the Ollin Yolitzli School of Music, Pan American University, and The School of Orchestral Studies Carlos Chávez, where he teaches oboe and chamber music.

Specialty: American Long Scrape Reed Making

Joseph Shalita specializes in the American-style long scrape method of oboe reed making — a technique developed in the tradition of Marcel Tabuteau, the legendary Philadelphia Orchestra principal oboist who defined the American school of oboe playing in the 20th century.

The American long scrape method produces reeds with a longer scrape length than the European short scrape style, resulting in greater tonal flexibility, easier response across all registers, and more control over pitch and dynamics. This method is the standard approach taught at most American conservatories and university music programs.

Shalita has taught this method to students ranging from beginners to professional orchestral musicians across Mexico, the United States, and beyond for over 30 years.

About the Online Course

The Making Oboe Reeds Online Course is a comprehensive, step-by-step video course teaching the American long scrape method from start to finish. The course covers reed anatomy, cane selection, tools, scraping technique, troubleshooting, and adjustments for high-altitude playing conditions — a unique challenge for oboists performing above 2,000 meters. It is designed for students, teachers, and professional oboists at all levels. One-time payment. Lifetime access.

About Shalita Oboe Reeds

Shalita Oboe Reeds, formerly Weber Reeds, produces handcrafted American-style oboe reeds for players at all levels — from students to professionals. Each reed is made by hand using the same techniques taught in the online course.