Author: SamuelChan
Date: 2012-05-19 17:47
Hello fellow wind players,
I'm a 4th-year clarinet player and is at the range of a grade 6-7 ABRSM clarietist. Now don't kick me out of the oboe area yet, I'm actually seriously considering a switch from the clarinet to the oboe.
I guess this may be a long post of doubts and questions, but please bear with me, as I need to have support, motivation and strength to decide which will be my life-instrument.
I started playing the clarinet at the age of 12. I was offered to play the oboe at 14, but rejected it as I was not very smart on instruments back then. Although I rejected the oboe, ( and was passed on to my schoolmate), the unique sound and liveliness of the instrument continues to have a deep mark in my mind, so I constantly decide whether I should change to the oboe.
I recently emailed the Singapore Symphony's oboist, and expressed my interest and awe of the oboe. She agreed to take a consultation lesson with me first to see whether I am fit to play the oboe, then she will start on teaching me. However, I am a clarinetist in a youth band till July 7th, whereby I take a break from rehearsals for exam preparations for national exams. After July 7th I wool be able to take tuition from the oboe player.
The big problem is:
I want to be a professional musician. On an orchestra and soloist view, I prefer te oboe. However, I prefer the clarinet for greater versatility for contemporary music.
I aim to be in an arts school next year. I do not know if I got time to prepare for auditions in janurary.
I'm not sure if I would progress as much on the oboe as I probably will on the clarinet.
Competition on orchestra vacancies in the future, as I will start later than most players.
I am willing to give my best for both instruments if one is decided. However, I will have a private tutor for oboe but none for the clarinet until I enter the arts school. I discipline myself to practice 1.5 hours per day.
Issues on reeds and fingerings can be solved gradually I believe. However my senior who is majoring in the trumpet advised me to go for the consultation the orchestra oboist offered, but stick to the clarinet till I am being fully taught by the oboist.
It's a big risk as it totally affects the rest of my career based on two split roads. What are your opinions and advice? I enjoy the sound and feel of the oboe, and I believe demand being higher for the oboist is not entirely true, and is prepared for fierce competition no matter on the clarinet or oboe. Thanks for your time guys.
Fast paced life in Singapore. That's why humongous decisions have to be made fast, and hard work is especially important. Failure is considered a complete waste of time here, and I cannot afford to make a mistake in deciding. Maybe if you would like more info to give true opinions, you can email me.
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