 The Fingering Forum
|
Author: Stacey
Date: 2000-01-28 21:43
Anyone that has advice!! I am in the Phoenix area and considering playing the oboe again. It's been 15 years since I have picked one up but would really like to play again. (Call it resolving old regrets...) I need to know the best route to take as far as lessons, instruments, books, etc. I remember how to read music, but the terminology elludes me. Basic advice will do. Even if there are those who think that 15 years is a tad long!! Thanks a lot.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bill
Date: 2000-01-28 22:11
Stacey,
I can't help you with the oboe specifically. I wish I could play one. It's a beautiful instrument.
I don't think a person is ever too old to learn to play a musical instrument. Many start late in life, with no prior experience. You have the tremendous advantage of having played before, and this will help you make quicker progress. What's you learned before is still in you, and it will surface as you practice.
Start with simple, familiar tunes, and don't be hard on yourself if you encounter difficulties. The key is to relax, and enjoy practicing. So, go for it.
Good luck!!!
Bill
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken
Date: 2000-01-29 01:56
You are making a very good decision. Your music will be fun performing. I suggest get a quality instrument in good condition and a good teacher.
A few pointers:
-When playing, sit up straight (a straight chair will help.
this will help you breath better
-practice in a quiet place where you can concentrate
-practice long tones and scales
-don't give up
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Royce
Date: 2000-01-30 04:09
Stacey,
Congratulations on deciding to pick up the oboe again. It's a wonderful instrument. I played oboe in college, and then just quit. I just started playing the bassoon this past year after more than 15 years away from music, and I love it.
I would highly recommend talking to a private oboe instructor in your area. A teacher will give you advice on buying an instrument, and can even help you audition prospective oboes to make sure you get a good one. They'll also be able to suggest methods, music, etc. and can probably help out a lot with your reeds (my old nemesis).
Best wishes,
Royce
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Eva
Date: 2000-01-31 00:39
It is so awesome that you have decided to play again. It's even better that you're making the effort to relearn it right. I'm a junior in high school, but I'm a member of the Internat'l Dbl. reed Society (which is great to join- you can learn soooo much from them), and currently play principal oboe in 2 youth orchestras. I have studied with an oboist/english hornist of the QC Symphony, and one who has won 2nd in an international oboe competition.
As far as instruments go: try to get a Fox 300 for re-learning. While this is a professional instrument, it will provide some room for you to grow, and they are very good with adjustment and have a good even scale. Since they are resin, you won't have to worry about cracking during the crucial relearning stage, but beware of leaving it in a cold area, as resin instruments can contract and smash the keys together in some areas. Once your teacher (you should get an oboe instructor- one who does oboe alone and not saxophone at all) or you has decided that you have re-outgrown this, then I would recommend switching to a Loree, AK bore, grenadilla wood, if you're still serious about it. Otherwise, the Fox will still serve all your needs.
Method books: I would suggest skimming over the Gekeler Method for Oboe book 1 and then moving to book 2. After completing those, I would then begin studying out of the Barret book. In my study, I did the Gekeler book 2 before the Barret (Gekeler book 2 part 1 mirrors part of the Barret book, except for I think 3 etudes), and that helped me learn the etudes before going on and perfecting them
Reeds: Use handmade, from your teacher or yourself. That way, you can get them adjusted to exactly what you need. I would indefinitely suggest learning reedmaking; it gives you immense amounts of freedom with your playing. It also gives you something to do when you're bored.
Other tips: use a swab after every time you play. Soak your reeds for at absolute least 3 min., unless you have a reed humidifier. Start learning things slow, than pick up the tempo and perfect them. Use your metronome! Don't keep the same reed for more than 2.5 weeks.
Good luck!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: nancy
Date: 2000-03-11 20:43
Go for it!!! I recently started playing oboe again after 20 years. The music minister at my church sent out a call for musicians--even if it had been a "while" since we'd played.
I rented an oboe for two months before investing in one of my own. The best piece of advice is "start with a SOFT reed!!" The lip just isn't what it used to be. Join a supportive group of other musicians and keep a good sense of humor. (I thought my family was going to stand up and applaud when I hit the high 'd' at the end of the Christmas overture. I'm now shooting for an 'f'!)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
