Biography

Andy Abel is a Seattle-based tubist and serves as Principal Tubist with both the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra in Honolulu, HI, and the Oregon Ballet Theatre Orchestra in Portland, OR. A versatile artist, his multifaceted career spans orchestral performance, studio recording, chamber music, education, and professional fundraising.

Andy was the tuba fellow with the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, FL. Founded by Artistic Director Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas and currently led by Artistic Director Stéphane Denève, New World is America’s orchestral academy—an innovative institution shaping the future of classical music through top-tier performance, community engagement, and professional development.

He frequently shares the stage with leading ensembles across the country. In the Pacific Northwest, he is a regular guest with the Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera. Nationally, he has performed with the Boston, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Baltimore Symphony Orchestras. His festival appearances include the Tanglewood Music Center, Britt Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, Music Academy of the West, and the Pierre Monteux School and Music Festival.

As an accomplished studio musician, Andy’s recording credits span Emmy-winning television shows and major video game titles. Notable projects include Destiny, DOTA 2, and NBC’s Community. He can also be heard on two recordings with the Seattle Symphony: The Unchanging Sea (2018) and The Flying Lotus (2017).

A passionate educator, Andy enjoys helping tuba and euphonium players of all ages refine their technique and develop a unique musical identity. He maintains a private teaching studio in Seattle and has presented masterclasses at institutions including Oberlin College, the University of Oregon, and the University of Washington. He also serves on the faculty at the annual Midsummer Music Retreat in Walla Walla, WA.

In addition to his performance and teaching work, Andy is a member of the Seattle Symphony’s development team. As the Symphony’s Discovery Officer, he connects with new and prospective donors, creating meaningful opportunities to deepen their philanthropic engagement and support the vital art form of classical music.

Andy holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Washington, where he studied with Christopher Olka (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra), and a Master of Music from the Colburn School, where he studied with Norman Pearson (retired, Los Angeles Philharmonic).