 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Sara
Date: 1999-12-02 02:08
I have been playing the oboe for going on my sixth year now, and plan to for a career. Does anyone know any colleges that would be reccomended for majoring in playing the oboe? And does anyone know any hints to help me along the way? I would appreciate any help. -Sara
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Author: Patti
Date: 1999-12-03 00:57
You would want to consider a conservatory in cities that have the top 5 orchestras - NY, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Cleveland, and Philadelphia. The oboist with the best tone quality is John Mack, principal oboist of the Cleveland Orchestra. Students flock to study with him at the Cleveland Institute of Music. I am a private oboe instructor, and I have all my students follow his excellence.
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Author: Sara
Date: 1999-12-04 22:37
Thank you Patti, that helps. I have an Aunt who has played the oboe for a number of years, is she correct in that Foridad State University has a good oboist program?
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Author: Patti
Date: 1999-12-05 13:30
Defining a "good" collegiate oboe program will greatly vary. My first posting refers to the "elite" students in terms of ability who want to pursue a career in a major orchestra or as a performing soloist. I am not at all familiar with the university your aunt suggested.
Are you studying oboe with a private teacher - ask his opinion for your region. Whether or not you have a private instructor, you need to seek out a professor of oboe at the nearest conservatory or music department of a college/university. You need to perform varied solo and orchestral pieces so this expert can evaluate your strong and weak points. (Of course you would have to pay for his time) You need to hear someone's candid opinion of your talent, and not take any negative comments as a personal attack. Choosing a performing career in music is very cut throat - like the same impossible odds that actors face.
There are still other opportunities to utilize your love of the oboe and music. Studying at a "good" music program provides varied career opportunities. You could become the teacher who creates a talented pool of beginning double reed players - almost any area of the US needs young and inspired teachers to convince kids to sign up for beginning music instruction. Many communities still have the "nerd" image for kids who study music. I am extremely lucky to live in a city with a major orchestra - many youngsters have wanted to take music lessons from a very young age.
You could become a instrument repair technician - very good money if you are good at your trade. If you enjoy being around children or the elderly, you could become a music therapist. More hospitals and nursing homes realize the importance of music in the healing process. You could manage a music store if you minor in business. With a dual business and music degree, you could manage a symphony orchestra or touring music ensemble. You could also pursue a career in music education, and teach from preschool age and k-12.
I have just skimmed the surface. Personally, I followed the dual majors (music and business) on the advice of my parents so I could have job security my whole life. When I first started out, I heavily relied upon my business degree. Now, I am an established private instructor and conduct music enrichment classes for preschoolers. This works well for my family life that contains two young children, and I am very fulfilled career wise.
Good luck on your endeavors!
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Author: Kyle Jubenville
Date: 2000-02-08 00:53
Also something to consider, is to try out an English horn. It is a beautiful instrument, and in its rarity creates high demand which may improve chances of attaining scholoarships or even admittence to the colleges of your choice. Just try renting one for a few days, or if you can find a school with one, you know, but at least try it. It is one of the most beautiful double reeds, and its popularity must be resusitated. Plus it is fun to experiment wtih many instruments that you already know how to play.
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Author: jazzy
Date: 2000-02-18 18:26
I would reccomend Northwestern in Washington State and Julliard (which is hard to get into.)
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