 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: JohnW
Date: 2014-04-16 03:29
I'm having a persistent problem with getting to low D/C from higher notes (say C3) without having a bit of a blare, significantly louder than the prior notes. Playing on a Loree AK, long scrape reed.
This occurs primarily when playing legato, it's better when lightly tongued.
I'm sure it's mostly me and inexperience, but thought I'd ask for helpful hints.
Thanks,
JohnW
JohnW
amateur adult beginner, oboe and cor
www.OboeHobo.com
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-04-16 04:13
This is a bugbear of oboists everywhere, being able to control these notes.
I personally use this as one of my methods of testing my reeds - if it doesn't slur easily down to these notes I still have work to do. I play short scrape and couldn't tell you what adjustments you could make to help this, but I know that a reed that is slightly too hard can prevent this jump from happening nicely, in addition to other factors.
From a playing perspective, consider where on the oboe the first tone hole is open for these notes - quite a way down! That's a long way for the air stream to travel. It is sometimes instinctive for us to 'clamp down' when a sound does not work for us, but this is counter productive.
Consider a feeling of dropping the jaw whilst still maintaining the embouchure, as though you are yawning with your lips closed. This will ensure that as much of your air stream is travelling through the reed as possible at this time.
Experiment with just how softly you can play these notes individually. The softer you can play them tongued, the easier it is going to be to slur to them.
One exercise to practice could be a slurred C major scale (or other scale going down to these notes) with the C placed between each scale degree. e.g. D-C, E-C, F-C, G-C, A-C, etc. The goal is to maintain the same sound and dynamic on the low note with each increasing jump.
I hope that helps some, and hopefully someone can add in some reed tips.
Rachel
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Author: JohnW
Date: 2014-04-16 05:40
Thanks, that sounds like a good approach. I'll give it a try. Also I'll pay some attention to how the sound works with different reeds.
JohnW
amateur adult beginner, oboe and cor
www.OboeHobo.com
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Author: JohnW
Date: 2014-05-05 00:22
Rachel, thanks for the advice. I think the exercise you proposed is helping, though as with anything new, it's not instant. I'm an older adult beginner, so it does come as fast as with the kids
JohnW
amateur adult beginner, oboe and cor
www.OboeHobo.com
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-05-05 12:52
That's good to hear. Teaching tips I can do, that's what I'm paid for.
I have taught a lot of adult beginners, and adult 'returners'. I think it is fabulous! Yes, some things do not come as quickly later in life, but adults have the benefit of understanding causation, often a greater ability to analyse and experiment, and the fact that you are the one forking out the money and time, so you better make it worthwhile!
Adult beginners also put up with the fact that I like to use anecdotes to explain things.
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