With his oboe playing described as “elaborate” (Cleveland Classical), Michael Isaac Ripple maintains a dynamic career as a performer and educator. He is based in Memphis, Tennessee, where he serves as Visiting Assistant Professor of Oboe at the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. A member of the Elegia Duo (oboe and piano), he is an in-demand guest artist and clinician throughout the United States.

Ripple earned his Bachelor of Music in oboe performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Frank Rosenwein, and is also a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, where he studied with Daniel Stolper. He holds both the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in oboe performance from the University of Memphis, with an additional focus in composition, studying with Dr. Michelle Vigneau and Dr. Kamran Ince.

A founding oboist of Catharsis Winds, an internationally recognized and award-winning wind quintet, Ripple remains active in chamber music alongside his solo and academic work. His pedagogical interests include etude and repertoire development, as well as the integration of AI tools within applied music study.

Isaac exclusively uses Lomax Classic Humidipro cases and case covers for his instruments. He is also a regular contributing author to Band World Magazine.