 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: Noyireeta
Date: 2013-12-09 22:51
I really want to play the oboe in January. The big problem is that I have abnormally large front teeth. Will I be able to play the oboe? Also, I will be getting braces in the summer - will this have an affect?
Thanks
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Author: huboboe
Date: 2013-12-10 02:17
Don't worry about your teeth. We all find a way to make the necessary embouchure and everyone's teeth are different.
As to the braces, they are a royal pain - I lived through them as a clarinet and oboe player in high school. The major problem is the bumpy stuff making your lips sore, but a relaxed embouchure will help with that. After the braces end it will be smooth sailing.
Go for it! You will have very little competition and lots of wonderful melodiesw to play.
Robert Hubbard
WestwindDoubleReed.com
1-888-579-6020
bob@westwinddoublereed.com
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Author: Noyireeta
Date: 2013-12-10 21:01
Thanks! I was really starting to doubt the idea. Another question. - in every embouchure the lips need to cushion the teeth from damaging the teeth right? Well, my top lip can only just cover the top teeth - will that be okay?
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Author: huboboe
Date: 2013-12-10 23:20
Actually, since mouths are different, embouchures vary as well, but the teeth should only be the foundation on which the lips rest rather than cushioning the teeth. The reed should be held in the bunched muscle of the lips and you should be able to slip the reed from side to side as you play (not that you would have any control that way, but you should be relaxed enough). You don't bite the reed through your lips...
Think about saying, "Ooooo" with your lips while saying, "Eeeee" with your jaw and tongue - the German 'umlaut' vowel - and you will have a close approximation of the oboe embouchure.
Control of pitch is done more with wind support than with the embouchure.
Try to find a teacher, or at least someone who plays oboe to demonstrate the details. And have fun. Ensemble music is the best team sport in the world!
Robert Hubbard
WestwindDoubleReed.com
1-888-579-6020
bob@westwinddoublereed.com
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Author: Jim22
Date: 2013-12-10 23:57
Your orthodontist will be able to supply you with some wax that you can apply over the brace hardware to keep your lips from getting beat up.
Jim C.
CT, USA
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2013-12-20 11:26
As someone who tutors students who are of an age that often gets braces (flute and clarinet, mostly), I find, as a general rule, that those who started playing before braces often had less trouble transitioning to their final embouchure after the braces were removed. I haven't yet discovered a pattern as to who struggles when the braces first get fitted.
I have an overbite and large front teeth. One of my oboist colleagues has one of the largest overbites I have ever seen. She is a stunning player. You'll be fine if you put your mind to it!
Rachel
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