Titus Underwood is principal oboe of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the 2021 recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence award. In addition, he was a 2021 Midsouth Regional Emmy winner for his work on “We Are Nashville.” Prior to the NSO, Mr. Underwood was acting associate principal of the Utah Symphony, and performed as guest principal with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Miami Symphony Orchestra, and Florida Orchestra. A sought-after freelance performer, he has also performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Atlanta Symphony, Puerto Rico Symphony, and San Diego Symphony. Mr. Underwood regularly plays principal oboe in the Chineke! Orchestra, Gateways Music Festival, and Bellingham Festival of Music. He received his Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School, where he studied with Elaine Douvas, and pursued additional studies with Nathan Hughes and Pedro Diaz. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music where he was a student of John Mack, with additional studies from Frank Rosenwein and Jeffrey Rathbun. In 2013, Mr. Underwood received his artist diploma from The Colburn School as a student of Allan Vogel. Additional notable teachers include Anne Marie Gabriele, Robert Atherholt, and Joseph Robinson.