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Re: Dynamics for a Beginner

Author: oboist2
Date: 2017-06-03 05:13

Quite a lot depends on whether or not you are playing a long scrape reed or a short scrape reed too as they respond quite differently. With the long scrape reed, generally you should try to cultivate playing with a relaxed embouchure all the time, and using your lower abdominal muscles more to control pitch and dynamics. This takes quite a lot of practice. My fist teacher had me playing a lot of PP notes before I was allowed to play louder, and he was really listening to whether or not I cold make the room ring with my softest sound. Then he had me use the section on sonority in the book " La Technique du Hautbois" by Louis Bleuzet ( Leduc edition).
If you are using a short scrape reed, the lips come into play a lot more, but again, use the lower abdominals and air speed to control the dynamics, particularly in the first 2 octaves. You will note that you need to apply a little more lip pressure in the second octave, particularly towards the A,B and C at the top, and if you are playing up beyond that, I find it helpful to ease the pressure back a little on the C# D and D# but put it back on for the E and above and a very slight increase in the amount of reed inside your top lip. Never bite though, and do not put the reed too far in your mouth. I have 1-2 mm inside the lip most of the time and slightly more when I am playing top notes.

I hope you get a teacher again soon. perhaps you can find an online one who will give you lessons via skype or face time or something. It is not as good as a face to face, in my opinion, but should help keep you on track. Good luck.

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