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Re: Tuning expectations for beginner

Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-08-10 22:02

I think overall, play the pieces, scales, arpeggios and sight-reading as best as you can, though in the early grades I don't think the examiners may be overly concerned about the general tone quality and tuning as it's early days and the embouchure muscles may still be underdeveloped (it's like weight training in that it's developing muscles in a safe, controlled manner over a period of time).

Though I do know of some players that have passed their Grades 7 and even 8 who still haven't mastered control over tone quality and volume. Not sure if they actually listen to top players to get an idea of what they could sound like, or just have teachers who put them through exams with the minimum requirements.

Are you playing on easy-blowing reeds or do you feel like you're struggling?

Lighter reeds with a narrow aperture can bring the overall pitch up, though it depends on the length of the scrape - a reed with a long scrape will play flatter than one with a medium U scrape, though cane thickness can also have a lot to do with the pitch. Too many variables there, and probably too early to be worrying about these things!

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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