I noticed that when I play the oboe, there is a lot of strain on my neck. Is this normal or is it due to improper playing? I checked other band members and some do and some don`t have it. It looks ugly in a concert but most importantly I am afraid that my technique is wrong (e.g. insufficient breath support?). Any help?

Describe the tension. Are you holding the oboe right? Are you playing from the Diaphram? Are your reeds too hard?

umm... it`s just like you can feel a sort of tightness at your neck. like the veins are popping out or something. It sounds weird when I try to describe it. Everything else is ok, the sound doesn`t come out muffled or choked or anything.

Are you bending your head foreward when you play? I guess that could cause tension, but I don`t know. I would go see a chiropractor and show them how you hold your head. (I know that sound wierd because they would most likely have no experince with oboe, but they can at least show you what not to do so you won`t hurt your neck) You shouldn`t be hurting when you play the oboe, if anything, you may get a little dizzy, but that would be due to either leaks, or reeds that are too hard.