So I just switched from flute to oboe, I love it as I think I can get a good sound on the lower notes, but started from the high G and up? Horrible wretched sounds. Which is expected as well, I have been playing for a good...two-three weeks. I practice everyday, but does anyone have any beginners tips? I could really use them at this point!

Just make sure you cover your teeth with your lips, but not bite down on your lips. The lips should provide enough pressure to the reed on their own.

Also don`t smile. Pull you lips in as much as possible, but don`t expose lip in the process.

After a few years when you`re comfortable and decide to get a private instructor. You will be forced to use correct embouchure and find yourself right back where you began.

Good Luck

Im doing the same thing (flute->oboe). Ive also only had it for 2-3 weeks and Im mixing up notes B flat on flute is like C on oboe(u know what I mean) but Im only having trouble with low notes, for some reason they like to sound really wavy. The only tips I have are make ur lips tighter for a higher pitch. Can you give me tips for low notes? and E natural, I can not get that note to make a sound at all! lots of love, Brittany plz email

Oh dear no. Don`t pinch notes to get them to sound, RELAX. Always relax. If you pinch you will most likely prevent the note from sounding or go really really sharp. Try lowering you jaw and keeping your mouth as open as possible, without exposing lip, to get you notes to sound. This will also help eliminate any wavy sounds in the lower octave.

Some note sounding issues may be due to the oboe being out of adjustment. It`s a bit complicated to adjust. I would recommend getting a book on oboe adjustment by Carl Sawicki (sp?) which takes you step by step in adjusting with a detailed diagram/picture to help. Helped me out a great deal when I couldn`t find a local music shop to properly adjust my oboe.

nothing in your embouchure can change the sound up high.

believe me. what you need to do is use more air and support more. on most instruments, the higher notes are louder abut on oboe they are softer, and to have an equal balanced tone you need to use more air and keep and open throat and loose lips.

MORE AIR! =) hope that helps

Thank you guys so much! This has seriously helped loads and loads Already I am showing improvement, not much but I am getting there Again, thanks <3

you now you should put your reed in water before you play. that works for me all the time.
And when you play high you have to blow harder and tighten your embrochure more.that will give you make your notes come out cleaner and clearer!
Thax,4 reading

You just have to learn how to stay in tune with the oboe & yourself. I suggest on getting a tuner & a jack for it, that way you can always check on your pitch.
My band director insisted that I use one, and it`s helping out pretty well.
Never ever pinch to create a high pitch, it`s not meant to be forced!

Yes, I found 1) pinching is painful and they sound...restrained but being relaxed brings a much better sound, thanks although it is not perfect yet, I am going to be working on it Thanks!

hey ummmmmmmm i have been playing the oboe for about 3 months and iSUCK i need tips too but i love it i am happy because i have done well i switched from the clarinet and i keep practicing and working better and better at it the only thing i have to say is
TRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh I bet you do not suck!! If you are comparing yourself to another, more experienced oboist, don`t let it get you down. I am going to being playing with a senior who was the number one oboist in the STATE of Pennsylvania. Then she went to Region I District Band in Baltimore, I think? then she went on this European tour with 50 other talented musicians around the country during the summer....so I am trying not to think about that as I would hate to be compared to HER. W are two very different people and I had played flute previous to this. So, if anyone or yourself is comparing yourself to another oboist, ignore it. I imagine you are doing wonderfully for only three months. Good luck

And you don`t suck!!!

Wish me luck, I start playing oboe in class on Monday *crosses fingers*

Hum....I switched fomr Clarinet to Oboe. I love oboe so much and all so I so to all the workshops and honor bands and any where I can to tlak ot a pro. oboist. I recently went to one and the gentelman that was working with us told us to whistle (to make your chin staight) Then pull your lips in a little bit but keep the (whistle) position. Also, on the higher notes you might have to push the reed in your mouth a little more to get them in tume and make them pretty. Not much more I can say for I am some what of a begginer. I played oboe for about 4 months then went ot back to clarinet for marching season and all the momories of how to play oboe were lost. lol

All were lost?? Oh my, what a pity. I absolutely love it. I have just gotten so much better. I began playing in class three days ago. The senior oboist has just been awesome! She has given me handmade reeds and just has been wonderful,by helping me. Even giving me her spare oboe to use! 20x better than the crappy school Jupiter oboe that is ANCIENT. haha, but I hop right back in with oboe! Clarinet is a good instrument, I played that for 5 years, then I went to flute But don`t give it up! You will probably regret it! Marching season eh? Do you compete?

Thank you so much for the help!!