The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University is proud to announce the appointment of Erin Hannigan as its new professor of oboe, starting July 1, 2025. Currently the principal oboist and Nancy P. & John G. Penson Chair of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO), Hannigan will succeed Robert Atherholt, who is retiring after more than four decades of distinguished teaching at the Shepherd School.
“The Shepherd School of Music has been at the pinnacle of orchestral training for as long as I have known,” Hannigan said. “I am so honored and excited to join the incredible faculty and amazing trajectory that has already been established, while adding my unique and personal approach.”
Hannigan’s career spans more than three decades during which she has performed as a frequent concerto soloist for DSO and as guest principal oboist with orchestras across the country, including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Prior to joining DSO in 2001, she was a member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Hannigan has also recorded three albums on the Crystal Records label as well as Jeremy Gill’s “Serenada Concertante,” a piece she commissioned and premiered with DSO and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project.
A devoted educator, Hannigan has been an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts since 2002 and previously served on the faculties of the Eastman School of Music, National Orchestral Institute, National Repertory Orchestra and National Youth Orchestra.
“Erin Hannigan’s extensive performance experience and her commitment to education make her an invaluable addition to our faculty,” said Shepherd School Dean Matthew Loden. “Her work both on and off the stage exemplifies the kind of well-rounded artistry that we strive to instill in our students. We look forward to seeing the impact she will have on the oboe studio and the broader musical community at the Shepherd School.”
In addition to her orchestral work, Hannigan is known for her contributions to the community as co-founder of the nonprofit Artists for Animals. She has organized the annual “Concert for Kindness” events in Dallas to support young artists’ involvement in giving back to their communities. The “Concert for Kindness” has raised more than $450,000 for animal rescue organizations. She earned the Ford Award for Excellence in Community Service in 2018, an honor awarded annually to five musicians through the League of American Orchestras and the Ford Motor Company.
“Erin brings a wealth of experience to our students after a long and successful tenure with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra,” said Marianne Gedigian, search committee co-chair and professor of flute. “Her artistry and technical expertise are matched only by her passion for teaching. Erin’s ability to communicate the nuances of oboe performance will greatly benefit our students and will immediately enrich our program.”
Hannigan is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she studied under James Caldwell. She later earned her master’s degree and the prestigious Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School, where she studied under Richard Killmer. In 2019, she was honored with Eastman’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
“We felt very fortunate to have had an extraordinary group of oboists who were interested in the position,” said Benjamin Kamins, the Lynette S. Autrey Professor of Bassoon and search committee co-chair. “Of these people, Erin provided the right combination of serious commitment to young musicians, outstanding musicianship and dedication to community engagement. We are very pleased to be welcoming her to the Shepherd School.”
Hannigan’s appointment marks the close of Atherholt’s extraordinary tenure at the Shepherd School. Atherholt served as principal oboist of the Houston Symphony Orchestra for 27 years before retiring in 2011. Throughout his 41 years at the Shepherd School, he has mentored countless students, many of whom have gone on to hold major positions in orchestras and universities around the world.
“Robert Atherholt’s contributions to the Shepherd School and the world of music are immeasurable,” Loden said. “His dedication to his students and his artistry as a performer have left an indelible mark on our community. We are deeply grateful for his decades of service and look forward to honoring his legacy.”