I only just started learning oboe at the beginning of this month so that I can take band in september at my new highschool. Im doing fine but i cant seem to get soft notes when i play. I can only play the oboe loud. I have absolutly no dinamic control. can anyone give me tips on how to blow into the oboe to get softer notes? is it just because im only starting to play, and will i eventually just be able to do it as long as i practice?

yeah u cant exactly really do enything about it since u`re jst beginning, it`ll come in time though. The oboe isnt exactly a soft instrument in general haha so yeah..

@~> Jaspie

Hey

Getting a soft sound takes A LOT of work. You have to really get used to controlling your airstream. Keep the air fast, but use less of it, if you can get what I mean. The strength of your reed also makes a difference as to the volume you play. I`d suggest maybe a Leisher Med-Hard or Med reed. It`s a good reed for begginers - responds well and the like.

Hope I helped!

~Chris

Getting a soft sound is hard but with years of practise... (only joking) Anyway, to play really loud you need to use all of the air in your lungs quickly, so to play soft you need to do the opposite.

I only began two months ago so I know the feeling

Yeah it has somethin to do with just learning. try tightening your embochur and maybe play a softer reed. Good luck to you!

An oboe`s soft sound does not just come... you have to learn it, over time. It took me 2-3 years to learn it! I know that sounds like a really, really, really time, but if you work w/ your oboe uber-hard... then you should be able to pick it up soon.

If & when you are well acquainted w/ your oboe and you know how to control your tone, try concentrating on your AIR STREAM & PRESSURE. A beginner usually just "stick their tongue out and blow all the air out of them," and it`s pretty much common sense that you`re not suppose to do that.

You would lightly, but with force, attack the reed with the tip of your tongue. [Think of a light audible, like TOO. But, point your tongue more. EMPHASIS!]
Then, put out strong air behind your tongue. Don`t overblow, control the stream. Make it one steady line and evenly distributed. Use your stomach rather than your lungs. Support w/ the diaphragm muscles, and try not to bring your shoulders up. [Work on this, try to perfect it as best as you can.]
[I`m watching Shrek 2 again and you can hear the beautiful oboe sounds... you could possibly sound like that. That is, if you are willing to work at it.]