Evelyn McCarty's professional career as a performer has been primarily as an orchestral principal oboist. She has nonetheless presented dozens of solo recitals and woodwind quintet programs.

She has the distinction of perfoming as oboe soloist in the Texas premiere of David Amram's Bicentennial offering: "The Trail of Beauty", the composer conducting, where the reviewer found her playing "so expressive that we could almost hear the spirits of our aboriginal Americans." As an orchestral soloist she has performed the Strauss and Mozart Concertos, where she was praised for her "dazzling technique...and a warm lyricism." Other concertos in her repertory are those by Marcello, Castelnuovo Tedesco, Goosens, Martinu, and Vaughan Williams.

She is a dedicated teacher, and has published the popular "Oboe Duets and Trios" through Southern Music Company. Ms. McCarty's oboe mentors include Anton Maly, John de Lancie, and Ray Still.