Author: oboemelli
Date: 2004-12-31 12:40
Hi there,
The thing is, you can't just go round and find something that will change the sound of your oboe playing completely in 2 minutes. Everyone has their own individual sound, especially here in Europe. You can't really change it that much to be honest. It may develope and mature as you play, but it won't necessarily make a CHANGE.
Over the past year or so my sound has got larger with a wider vibrato, but the actual sound itself has never changed. I have to admit though, I hardly sounded like a duck for long, so that might be the reason.
I know an oboist who has exactly the same problem. He is an excellent oboist technically, and he has a good sense of musicality but his sound is absolutely awful. He has been playing a lot longer than me and he has never seemed to change his sound. It's the way it is. Only one thing I can suggest is to make sure you aren't pressing hard on your reed and making a 'constipated' and 'squiched' sound. Relax your embouchure, open up your throat, and remember that your lips are a cushion for the reed- not something to grip it.
Be positive- there are loads of oboe players out there in pretty much the same position. And you shouldn't get too worried about your sound- the thing that counts is the MUSIC. As long as you make the music alive, you're fine.
Have fun and don't give up trying anyway,
Melli
"People imagine they can reach one another. In reality they only pass each other by"- Schubert.
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