Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2012-05-19 20:12
Samuel,
I agree that having the consultation with the professional oboist would be a good idea. But here are some questions I would pose to you.
What can you say about your personality? Do you feel most comfortable when you are going along with the crowd, or do you often find yourself in a position where you are taking a stand that is different from those around you?
Where is your tolerance for frustration? Can you withstand getting knocked down again and again, but still be willing to get up and go on?
How do you feel about knowing the mechanics of an instrument? Would you find it highly desirable to play an instrument that performs reliably almost all the time, or could you happily deal with an instrument which would often require you to troubleshoot its mechanical functioning?
How do you feel about reeds? Are you glad to use them out of the box as you find them, or are you always making little adjustments to improve them?
Are you willing to expend quite a lot of money to purchase and maintain good equipment? Oboes are many times more expensive than clarinets to purchase and maintain. Oboe reeds, likewise.
In closing, let me also say that I was a clarinetist for many years, and I switched successfully to oboe. But I did not ever have the ideal that you have, of making my living through playing music. I am very happy that I made the switch, as playing the oboe suits my personality much better than did the clarinet. But I wouldn't lie to you that it is a bed of roses, which is why I asked you those questions. And given the time constraints you mention, I think it would be a very, very rough go of it for you, to switch now. Not impossible, but very precarious.
Best wishes,
Susan
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