The Oboe BBoard
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-10-08 16:42
Hello Everyone,
In your expertise of teaching oboe to beginner to intermediate students, what is/are the best oboe method books?
Thanks,
Drew S.
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2012-10-08 23:15
Avoid anything that says 'band' anywhere on its cover... :P
Band methods are the bane of my existence as a teacher of C instruments!
I was recommended the Gekeler Method...its not too bad. B&H's Learn as you Play Oboe is used in the program I teach in, which is fine if your student is not learning oboe as a first instrument...goes much too fast if they are.
I am extremely fond of the Abracadabra series of wind methods...I use them for ALL instruments. Great tunes, note-by-note progress in a logical order, lasts 2-3 years of learning, quite a few duets and a backing CD. The only downside for you, Drew, is that they are hard to access here (Amazon your best bet) as they are from the UK, which also means that British rhythm terms are used (which is great for an Aussie like me...but I just write the American names next to them when I teach students here).
Rachel
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Author: Oboe Craig
Date: 2012-10-08 23:40
The Ferling Books are really good and even have a few duets and a trio included.
The Vade Mecum contains the greatest wealth of exercises and excerpts I've ever seen.
It also contains some good solo pieces and even an oboe and ehorn duet by Bozza.
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Author: Loree BF51
Date: 2012-10-09 00:04
In an old Woodwind World magazine (late 50's, 19, not 18!) the author (whose name I can't remember) recommended and described the Barret book, Ferling Studies, and Brod studies. Richard Woodhams in his tribute (on-line idrs?), to his teacher, John deLancie, describes how Mr. deLancie used the simple, beginning exercises in Barret to explain some of his musical ideas and techniques. That says a lot about them, I think, and that's a very inspirational article, too. Mr. Still used them, too. Best regards.
R. Still former student
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-10-09 00:33
Gekeler book 2 is basically derivatives from the Barret melodic exercises.
I STILL love Barret for its thoroughness and musicality-building. Ferling is plenty of challenge for myself, still, technically. The Vade-Mecum is a treasure trove but more useful as a resource/supplement than for pure instruction.
I've never felt a need to use any more or other than those staples.
I still 'hand-draw' exercises for my students, always have manuscript paper on hand, though.
I agree with the 'avoid "band" instruction books' advice. One wonders if their authors did much playing on the oboe...
GoodWinds
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Author: cjwright
Date: 2012-10-09 02:02
I think this depends on a teacher's style and what they're teaching. If they are teaching fingerings, and basic basic oboe technique, then I don't see a problem with "band instruction" books, as long as there is a teacher who is there to correct some issues with band fingerings (i.e. Eb with the forked F).
If the student knows fingerings, then yes, Barret, Sellner, or Geckler are great. But I personally wouldn't START a student on Barret as it gives no fingerings other than the outdated fingering chart in the beginning. The strength of Barret is that it gives articulation studies and melodies that have sound scale-based technique. The phrases are simple, breathing is not an issue for the most part, and there's a lot to learn from the simple lines such as basic modulation, melody, and leading tone resolution. The problem with Barret is that it starts off with some difficult range, which is not ideal for a student who doesn't have a proper embouchure.
Blog, An Oboe In Paradise
Solo Oboe, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra
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Author: Jeltsin
Date: 2012-10-09 10:12
How about:
Hinke, Gustav Adolf - Elementary Method for Oboe
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Author: Gerry L
Date: 2012-10-09 17:14
I recently came across the Verroust "24 Études Melodiques Op 65", and have been really enjoying them. As the title implies. they're all very fine melodies, and encourage a beautiful sound and playing style. Not too technically challenging however, so probably better as a secondary set of studies -- a little dessert after the main meal!
You can download them from http://imslp.org/wiki/24_%C3%89tudes_melodiques,_Op.65_(Verroust,_Stanislas). I originally found them on the Oboe Archives CD from the Clarinet Institute -- which you can buy at http://www.clarinetinstitute.com/44329%20Oboe%20Archives.htm -- and it's a fantastic deal considering the amount of music on it, but on the other hand all of the scores are also available online for free -- if you knew where to look, and if you had the time!
Cheers,
Gerry
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-10-09 20:08
I would never think of starting a student off with Barret: too intimidating!
GoodWinds
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-10-09 20:36
I wonder if there aren't a few different thoughts as to what I was getting at here. In my future, there is a possibility that with much work and practice on my part, I could teach the oboe to students. (My time frame is at least to be able to make reeds for my student, and right now I can't even make them for myself, so I think it may be some time before this happens). When I started the oboe, I had already advanced knowledge in Sax, Flute, and Clarinet, so I bypassed the books that help a student learn what a note and a rest are. Belwin makes books, but from my knowledge of learning the other instruments, I figured there were better books geared specifically to the oboist mind.
Right now (and I still have to get copies to check my sources), I'm leaning towards this progression:
1. Gekeler Method 1
2. Gekeler Method 2
3. Barret
I've also heard the Neimann Oboe Method is good, and maybe that would fit between the Gekeler 2 and Barret as an easier transition. As I say, I haven't gotten the books yet, I'm just trying to get a head start and if I decide to follow this path, I would like to give my potential students the study and respect they deserve.
Drew S.
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Author: A.U.K
Date: 2012-10-11 08:48
Hinke gets my vote, nicely laid out, introducing one flat at a time, then one sharp at the a time..two studies per page, one in the tonic the second in the relative minor..it even has the scale printed out (albeit in a teensy weensy type face)..Not expensive which is a plus and not entirely ghastly musically..
Not familiar with the Barrat Method though I believe it is standard in the States along with Vade Mecum which I have heard a lot about (here) though I have never laid eyes on one..
So Hinke is my vote for a beginner..nice little book, not too demanding or taxing and in comparison to some I have seen it's CHEAP!
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-10-11 12:55
I looked at the Gekeler Methods online. It looks like the Gekeler Method 2 is the Barret 40 Progressive Melodies. Maybe it goes further in the book as well, I could only see a few pages.
Drew S.
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-10-12 03:33
Yes, as I stated previously Gekeler 2 is derived from the Barret progressive melodies, but in a more portable version.
I've an adult student who is enjoying Gekeler very much. (And doing well with it.)
GoodWinds
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