Heather Peyton

Praised as a “captivating performer” with “enchanting musicality” and “effortless technique,” Heather Peyton is a sought-after concert artist who has appeared more than thirty times as a concerto soloist in addition to being an in-demand recitalist with performances in in the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, and Asia. Dr. Peyton won honorable mention as a finalist in the prestigious Gillet-Fox International Oboe Competition, was an invited competitor in the Sony International Oboe Competition. She is the recipient of many national and international awards for her solo and chamber music performances on oboe, English horn, and oboe d’amore. Currently a member of the Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Peyton has performed as a member or guest with numerous ensembles, including the Orquestra Sinfônica da Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, National Repertory Orchestra, Ensemble Pentaèdre, and the Société de Musique Contemporaine du Quebéc. She has toured internationally as part of a contemporary chamber opera company as well as with chamber music ensembles. 

As a dedicated scholar, Dr. Peyton frequently presents clinics throughout the United States and abroad. In addition to research in Oboe Pedagogy and Performance, Dr. Peyton’s active areas of research include Oboe History and Literature, Performance Psychology, Wellness and Mindfulness, Music Entrepreneurship, Student Success and Retention, and Educational Technology. As an advocate for equity in education and committed to student success, she co-authored an Open Educational Resource textbook, workbook, and aural training and sight singing supplement called Comprehensive Musicianship: A Practical Resource for use in UNI’s core music theory curriculum. Dr. Peyton’s dedication to bringing music theory to life through understanding and exploring the link between theory and performance is highlighted in those publications. 

Passionate about serving others, Dr. Peyton enthusiastically engages in service activities for the University, the School of Music, the Profession, and in the community. She offers reed clinics, lessons, and oboe repair services to schools and students across Iowa. She is currently the president of UNI's chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda, as well as a past President of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors. To honor her commitment to service, Dr. Peyton was awarded the Ross. A. Nielsen Professional Service Award at UNI in 2024. 

Dr. Peyton received a Doctorate in Musical Arts Degree from Michigan State University, where she held the title of University Distinguished Fellow. She received a Master’s Degree in solo performance and Artist Diploma from McGill University, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University. She has held teaching positions at institutions including Iowa State University and the Interlochen Summer Arts Program.