When it comes to the oboe, Kayana Jean-Philippe is what you might call a serious amateur – someone who pursues her passion at a high level,  but does not make a living at it. 

She plays in orchestras, teaches middle school students, studies privately, plays in chamber groups, and even has professional engagements. all while working in the pharmaceutical industry in data analytics.

It’s a path that she has pursued with clear intention. Her parents were both musicians, after all, and Kayana knew well that the life of a professional musician could be difficult. 

So during her college years at New York University, she studied the sciences, not music, even though she won a spot in the concert band and studied privately with Hugo Souza, who is now principal oboist of the Columbus Symphony.

“I wanted a stable career,” she said of her decision not to pursue music professionally. “It was also because music is what gives me joy. So if I relied on music for money, it would be the cause of stress, and it would no longer be the fun thing I do.”

She went on to earn a master’s degree in public health from NYU, learning about the business side of health care, which eight years ago led her to the pharmaceutical industry. Today, she works on new product launches. 

“I love that from 9 to 5 I am all about numbers and Excel, and after 5 o’clock it’s about the music and I get to express this whole other side of me,” she said.

One of her most consistent musical outlets has been the United Nations Symphony Orchestra, which she joined 10 years ago and is principal oboist. “I meet people from around the world,” she said. “It’s an incredible experience.”

Another musical outlet is ACMP, which she said has connected her with new people and new musical opportunities. 

“I got a couple of gigs through ACMP, just through having my profile on there,” she said. “Even just going to play-ins – it’s a great way to meet different people, and also play different music.”

She recalled the play-in not too long ago put on by ACMP and the American Composers Orchestra. She had the chance to play new compositions for wind ensembles, something she never would have done otherwise. 

“It’s a fun way to meet different people and be able to play new music,” she said.

We asked Kayana to answer a few questions about her musical life. Her answers have been lightly edited for conciseness and clarity. – Bob Goetz

When did you start playing oboe?

I started playing the oboe in seventh grade, almost by accident. During group clarinet lessons, my band director mentioned the oboe, and I asked, “What’s an oboe?” She replied, “Come to my office after school and I’ll show you.” When I arrived, she handed me an oboe, one reed, and a beginner’s book, and that was it. I was left to figure it out on my own. By January I had joined the middle school band as the lone oboist. I enjoyed it enough to continue through high school. 

I hadn’t planned to keep playing after graduation. But when my mom gifted me an oboe for my high school graduation, I couldn’t not play it. So I brought it with me to NYU, where amidst my rigorous science coursework, I auditioned for the NYU Concert Band—and somehow got in.

What kinds of chamber music have you played?

I primarily play in orchestral settings, but through ACMP I’ve discovered opportunities to branch into chamber music. In 2025, I played in an oboe–clarinet–bassoon trio, workshopped new pieces by contemporary composers, and participated in play-ins. Chamber music has been an exciting challenge for me in listening and communicating with each other while playing, sight-reading, and learning to quickly get back on track when getting lost! 

What is a favorite chamber music moment?

I absolutely loved the Haydn party last spring, when tons of us gathered at an apartment to play Haydn’s chamber works in celebration of his birthday. It was such a fun event, reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new friends, all while making beautiful music!