The Oboe BBoard

The Oboe BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Re: beginner oboists

Author: jhoyla
Date: 2008-11-09 08:01

I second Duchy's advice about plastic reeds. Yes, they sound dire, they are expensive, and generally out of tune. But they have the following advantages:

1. They need no soaking so they work (literally) out of the box
2. They last forever - or at least until crushed against the shoulder while looking for your fingers (warn them/train them with this in mind, BTW)
3. They are dead-easy to blow

All of these make them really good for beginners. Tell them they'll sound like Francois Leleux next month, and for the time being they should just honk away on one of these plastic jobs and build up their technique, confidence and enjoyment (kids actually enjoy making a dreadful noise).

P.S. - warn the parents in advance about the dreadful din their budding genius is going to be making, probably for several months. Placate them with recordings of Gordon Hunt.
http://www.musiclink.co.uk/oboist/albinoni.mp3

J.

Post Edited (2008-11-09 08:05)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics