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Re: When to begin oboe?

Author: Tanya Johnson
Date: 2012-10-24 04:52

Should a student start on the oboe? Absolutely! I don't know that I think the oboe is harder than other instruments but it is the quirks of beginning student instruments especially and store bought reeds that cause many of the problems students face.

I certainly don't want to discourage any student from playing such a fantastic instrument but it would be good to gather some info on why he wants to switch. Does he really love the sound of the oboe? Is he interested in playing an instrument that makes him unique from his band mates? Is he doing really well with the clarinet and the band director suggest he try something new? Does he sit next to another student who is overly competitive with him?

Things to consider from a financial standpoint - the oboe is expensive. I'd like to say it doesn't cost more than the clarinet but it does. Hopefully the school has an oboe in good working condition he can use but if not you'll need to rent one. Oboe reeds are certainly more expensive than clarinet reeds.

I started on the clarinet myself and played for 6 years before switching. My band director was an oboe player and she suggested I give it a try. I fell in love with it right away. I did feel like I missed out a bit on the extra years of technique for the oboe but I tried to make up for it with lots of extra practice.

Finding a teacher will be extremely helpful. For beginning students they can get more discouraged if having problems and thinking they are doing something wrong when so many times I found the instrument to have adjustment problems and reeds with cracks or leaks. A teacher will find these problems and can rule out the reed or the instrument.

Let us know what happens and what you both decide to do!

Tanya
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www.reedpros.com purchase handmade reeds, helpful tips for students

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When to begin oboe? new

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2012-10-15 00:56