So, um, I have to learn oboe over the summer...

    
So, um, I have to learn oboe over the summer...    23:59 on Friday, May 16, 2008          

Prettybird1212
(56 points)
Posted by Prettybird1212

well, title pretty much explains it. Im in 7th grade, have been playing flute for 2 years, violin for 1 year and out of all the probably more experianced people my band/orchestra director picks ME of all people to learn Oboe! so now i am getting a (probably really bad) school oboe next week.

I can figure out fingerings from my prior experiance with flute and a book, I know hand made reeds are better, etc.

My 6th grade science teacher is in the symphony here and has been playing oboe, english horn, and bassoon for some time now. She offered to give me lessons over the summer.

I was just wondering if you guys had any tips that I can use... Because, I really don't want to sound like a dying duck all summer, all the duckies at the park will wonder whats wrong with me and won't come eat bread out of my hand


Re: So, um, I have to learn oboe over the summer...    11:40 on Saturday, May 17, 2008          

oboeteacher
(25 points)
Posted by oboeteacher

Having a teacher when you start is the best thing you can do. So many bad habits are formed in the first few weeks of playing oboe. Regular lessons with a qualified teacher should prevent this. And I mean REGULAR - not just one at the beginning of the summer - every week if you can afford it. I have students who sometimes come every month or so and we have to start over each time with some aspects of playing.
Good reeds are also important. Lesher, Emerald, Fox are all good. There is a shortage of reeds right now due to the Jones company going out of business, so order soon, and buy several. Rotate them - don't just use one. They will last longer.


Re: So, um, I have to learn oboe over the summer...    15:55 on Saturday, May 17, 2008          

Prettybird1212
(56 points)
Posted by Prettybird1212

so, I should order some reeds soon?, also, do I need a reed case?


Re: So, um, I have to learn oboe over the summer...    17:01 on Saturday, May 17, 2008          

bp_oboist
(132 points)
Posted by bp_oboist

heck yes you need a reed case. those ones they give you.. i don't trust them. i almost broke my english horn reed cause the reed doesn't stay in place with the case that's given when bought. there's good reed cases that go for about 17 dollars if you're willing to spend the money. they hold about three reeds. if you don't want to spend much there's one case that hold two at a time and i have a couple of them but don't use them that much for my oboe reeds.


   




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