Tonguing really frustrates me... My private teacher told me it`s like producing the "ta" or "to" sound. But every time I do it, my saliva goes into the reed. Can anyone explain to me how tonguing is done?

Jimmy

The tongue must strike the tip of the reed while blowing air. Try blowing air through the reed with your tongue over the opening of the reed (this is called "Tonguing on the wind") and then remove your tongue from the reed (an effect of tonguing should come out). Then keep working with that and then try putting your tongue on the tip of the reed faster and faster and should speed up. You want sort of a "da" sound and try saying that word and figure where the placement of your tongue is on your teeth and do that on the reed. I know this is confusing but if you have any more questions feel free to e-mail me at Shoko2@hotmail.com. Hope this helps! PEACE!

Try just playing a long note and (lightly!) tapping the reed with your tongue.

realy i`ve never had much trouble tounging my oboe