Author: jhoyla
Date: 2012-01-22 13:21
A couple of thoughts ..
1. The oboe is the highest-pressure wind-instrument in the orchestra. Starting the oboe in your mid-fifties, you should be sure you are doing it right because you REALLY don't want to cause yourself any damage. See Mary's comment above. Are you taking lessons from a pro?
2. It is VERY easy to get into a vicious circle of ever-increasing pressure on the oboe. If you squeeze/bite the reed to get a sound, you are choking the reed AND making the aperture smaller which makes it more difficult to blow, causing higher pressure to compensate.
3. How do you avoid this? You need to back off your embouchure pressure to give the reed free rein, and control the reed with the wind. Ironically, you can only achieve this if you have developed the lip-musculature and control to seal around the heart of the reed gently but firmly. Oh - AND you need reeds that are in perfect playing order - the right sized opening, and a perfect scrape.
Achieving this balance will take time. But be aware, always, that your aim is to just seal around the heart of the reed (close to the tip) and let the wind do the work. If you find yourself biting because your lips are tired - stop playing. If you find yourself blowing harder because the reed is closing up - stop playing, and adjust the opening. Be aware of the effort you are making at all times. Your abdominal muscles should be pushing against the resistance of the reed, with no "extra" back pressure from your throat or lips.
Which goes back to my first question - are you getting lessons from a pro? Without a good "reference feel" for how an easy-blowing reed should feel, how do you know if you are over-blowing or not?
J.
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