some times when i play my oboe i get a headache and a somewhat faint like feeling and find it hard to play, is this normal?
if not what can i do?

Yes, this is completely normal. It even happens to the mst experienced people. It is just a breath management problem. After playing for a long time, you will sometimes just suddenly feel dizzy and it is a phase you will grow out of.

alex

that is a relif since i have been noticing this too and i was getting worried...THANKS!!!!!

the headaches are mostly due to the fact that you may not be used to the high pressure of putting air through such a small space. It will probably go away with time; but also make sure you're not biting your reed or anything like that. This will help.

EXACTLY!

That is exactly why :P
too much pressure that you haven't adjusted to yet.

Headache and light headedness is very common. The thing that you probaly arent doing...or doing enough of is breathing out. Expelleing the "unused" air. We as oboists use very little air and it is vital for us to get rid of the "old/stale" air before inhaling again. Its like if you have a glass of milk and you keep on half emptying it then refilling it. There is old and stale stuff at the bottom.

For breathnig this causes headaches.

so yea...just make sure that if you need to take a breath that you breathe out all the old air.

Doctor King at the University of Michigan recommends you breathe in and out alternately at your breathing spots.