Author: vboboe
Date: 2006-11-27 17:33
i find that having a responsive reed that sings steady tone C (rather than crows C) in neutral embouchure and has a focused 'cut' really helps on high notes, a 'diffused' reed doesn't produce a clear ringing tone up there
responsive -- some reeds are really good in middle & low register but when played in the high end are balky and don't come through without effort including some bite for Hi E up (Hi C shouldn't need any bite though, if your reed is balky there refine it so it's more responsive)
some other techniques that might help
yes, the Eb key does add resonance to top C, low C key is duller on my oboe
definitely refine embouchure to more of a pinhole focus, mid register embouchure is too open
hollowing the cheeks is a physical thing that might help you narrow down and focus the airstream behind the pinhole
blow focused air all the way to the bell, this is more energetic and adds more 'ring'
the other things that work best for me is boost air pressure (not volume) more 'toothpaste squeeze' of the lower abs through open throat, and always keep throat open
if your vocal cords are tightening up automatically in subconscious response to the high notes, have to consciously work at relaxing them again, psych vocal cords to loosen up as if 'singing' low C
the air pressure boost brings the 2nd 8ve notes up to pitch quite easily and open throat with wider mouth cavity makes more 'boom-box' behind the air stream
experiment, maybe slightly raise oboe up a bit higher than usual position, this shifts pressure of lips on reed, firmer upper lip but less lower lip, which frees up the high vibrations quite nicely, and then lower oboe to normal position for 1st 8ve key down to mid register
if need help boosting air pressure, and assuming you're sitting down, lean forward from the hips just a bit while raising feet on tip-toes, this brings thighs closer to belly and adds something extra to push abs against, this isn't recommended as regular practice, just something to help you figure out the best internal feel of things when notes are sounding your best
This is quite a lot of physical co-ordination stuff, experiment & practice to find your best combo
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