Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2013-04-26 17:40
Hello!
I am a professional musician (flute player) who started oboe at 24 (I had been doubling and just wasn't a clarinet/sax fan, and decided to experiment).
As someone who was used to 'sounding good' on an instrument (and who is married to another musician), I was determined that no one was going to hear me until I sounded okay. I literally locked myself in the back of the house during the 'duck phase'!
I am also an instrumental teacher, and there are two main points I advocate in my pedagogy. One is that short bursts of regular practice are the best for short and long term achievement. This is especially the case for oboe, where if the reed is not in your mouth at least several days a week (even if only 10 minutes at a time at first) you will not build up the muscles needed for endurance.
My other point (one that is to become the subject of my postgrad research because I believe in it so strongly) is that playing with someone/s is great for progress. This can be a real person, on your instrument or not, or even a CD, or a small ensemble. The other player/CD doesn't necessarily wait for you when you get tired! It is great for pitch and tone matching (which you already have a great background in, given your vocal training). It gives a sense of purpose (music is social, after all). Sometimes focusing on things other than fingers and sound (which we do in solo practice) actually improves these areas - reverse psychology and all.
Good luck! It is a fun instrument with a lot of beautiful solos and repertoire. I am so glad I fell into it, even this late in the game. And if you like working with your hands, you may discover later on that you enjoy reedmaking as well!
Rachel
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The Oboe BBoard
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