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Re: I'm sharp in the 3rd register

Author: OboeCraig
Date: 2012-03-27 21:48

This is a tough topic. There are many reason for sharpness in the high range.

In order of maximum precedence for me:

1) My own got much better once I stopped playing flat reeds. Any extra pressure (or extra reed into the chops) multiplies its effects in the 3rd octave, so if you use even a little 'biting' to get your tuning note(s) up to pitch, expect bad things in the 3rd octave.

2) Be careful not to close the throat or oral cavity when you go up the scale.
It can relate to point 1, as an ongoing incremental kind of accommodation, but has bad consequences for pitch (and other sound qualities) up in the high range.

3) Too much reed in is a problem I see with 90% of the oboists I know, and I did that for a long time , too.

When the reed is really up to pitch with very little pressure more than needed to seal the air around the reed, you will have a chance to remain open throated and relaxed, and then you can relax 'down onto' the pitch. That will carry over into the third octave if your reeds behave well. Weber-style, good start. Be sure the extreme tip end is very thin. Last 1/4 to 1/3 mm. That will do multiple good things for you.

4) Practice with a tuner... (ignore the howls of indignation). I don't mean all the time. Practice scales and arpeggios and starting 3rd octave notes with a tuner.

It is a kind of bio-feedback and will help train your muscles, throat, air support and ear.

Practice 2 ways, first watching the tuner all the time, and then later just for reference after you think the note is correct. Keep doing both, meaning warm up every day watching the tuner, then spot check for pitch.

-Craig

Post Edited (2012-03-27 22:06)

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