Klarinet Archive - Posting 001126.txt from 1998/12

From: Stan Elias <elias1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] To Oboe or Not to Oboe....
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1998 22:21:05 -0500

Dorothy,

Like you, I started playing oboe after many years of playing clarinet and sax.
It is possible to teach yourself the fingerings, perhaps even the embouchure,
but nothing takes the place of a good teacher, if only for a few widely spaced
lessons. Reed making, for example, is next to impossible to learn solely from a
book, although there are several good ones available.

A lot depends on the degree of proficiency you hope to attain. If playing
occasionally as a doubler is what you intend to do, then perhaps self-teaching
is adequate for your needs. If you hope to audition for even a community
orchestra, a few lessons are definitely in order.

Finding an adequate instrument can be another stumbling block. Cheap
instruments aren't good; good instruments aren't cheap. No surprise there. Your
best bet would be to follow the double reed listserv and the various on-line
auctions to find an instrument that meets your needs and is within your budget.

The books I used to get started are "The Art of Oboe Playing" by Robert
Sprenkel and Barret's Oboe Method.

After playing oboe for about three years now, my only regret is not starting
ten years sooner.

Hope this helps.

Stan Elias

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