I still can`t control my breathing with ease after a year of practice. My instructor tells me to breath abdominally but how? I know that I must give out all my breath before breathing-in, and my belly (area beneath the belly button) should push outward when breathing in. But what should be done when playing? My lips would get really tense after playing a few phrases and eventually cramp together. My instructor often says that I`m giving too much pressure when playing and that I should be more relaxed... but how how how... feel really desperate and depressed.

Jimmy... on the verge of giving up...

RELAX Jimmy... it`s the [long harsh] journey of an oboist.

Breathing - You should never move your shoulders when taking a breath; rather try using your diaphragm. Your posture shouldn`t change when you exhale either.
Try this exercise: Lay on the floor w/ a textbook or similar object on your stomach. Take a reed and place it in your mouth. Breathe deeply [your stomach should be outwards now] and crow/play your reed while keeping the selected object up. [Transfer this to playing position.]

Embrochure - Make sure that you are doing it correctly: the lips should cover the teeth, but should also still be visible. Never pinch when approaching a high note; that would strain the muscles too much.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! Endurance will never build unless you practice! Practice doesn`t make perfect: perfect practice however, does.

btw the thing bellow ur belly is called ur diaphram.. you need TONS of support there to keep a good even tone! .. :P

O~> jaspie bOi..

I agree with Yoko. Also, the embouchure must not be tight....be sure to relax your shoulders and enjoy playing! Make the oboe look easy to play. Hope this helps!

CHRIS