Hi everyone! I’m so excited to be able to bring my love of reed making to more people and offer some professionally hand-crafted oboe reeds for oboists of all levels!

I have spent countless hours learning the craft of oboe reed making. Specifically, the American scrape oboe reed. The type of reeds I make are created to have a stable, dark tone with a huge range of dynamic abilities and the projection to fill a giant concert hall, but also warm and subtle enough to play in the most intimate of settings. I’ve spent years creating reeds not only for myself but for private students and colleagues. I can’t wait to bring you your next perfect reed!

Owner’s BIOGRAPHY

Justin Carson is a Pittsburgh-based oboist, woodwind specialist, and educator, born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He regularly performs as a substitute oboe and English horn player with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, as well as with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he frequently collaborates with ensembles such as Pittsburgh Musical Theater, the West Hills Symphonic Band, and the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra, and performs in a wide range of professional and community theater productions and church services throughout the region.

Alongside his performing career, Justin is the owner of PureBark Double Reeds, an online shop specializing in handmade oboe reeds for both students and professionals. He also serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the West Hills Symphonic Band and maintains an active private woodwind teaching studio.

Justin is a proud graduate of Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied oboe with Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida, Principal Oboist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He will begin pursuing a Master of Music in Oboe Performance in fall 2026, studying with Scott Bell, former Second Oboe of the Pittsburgh Symphony.

In his free time, Justin enjoys playing board games, video games, and anything Disney-related, often sharing those interests with his husband and their dogs, Bucky and Rudy.