Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-01-17 19:36
I definitely don't think it's too late! It just depends on your commitment and expected timeframes.
I am a late oboe bloomer myself, but with slightly more background. I am a semi-pro flautist with a degree in flute performance and I teach flute as my primary instrument (with a bit of clarinet thrown in for good measure). I got bored of being relegated to 2nd/picc parts in community orchestras simply because there are too many flutes out there. I started doubling on clarinet for teaching purposes, but it just wasn't my instrument. I started oboe at the age of 24 (31 now) and haven't looked back.
I recently attended an amateur music camp, and played in concerto night. The principal oboist of our state symphony orchestra was there and heard me, and she was full of praise for my playing, which boosted me no end! I have only been playing 7 years!
My husband did a Masters in the US and I joined the oboe studio as a non-major student. In placement auditions, I frequently ranked in the top half of the studio, and this was after 5-6 years of playing. So it is doable. Most students in the US start playing the oboe between 6th and 9th grade, depending on the school. Some of the younger students at the university I was at had only been playing for 4 years upon entrance. I am not sure of the background of European oboe students, but this gives you an idea. Here in Australia, at least in my state, oboe students typically have five years of training before entering university.
If you have a background in classical voice, there is a good chance you have an established sense of musicality and confidence, both vital elements to becoming a successful oboe player. I knew oboe was for me when I just became obsessed by it - moreso than I had ever been obsessed by the flute. I am an extremely active listener during orchestral oboe solos and I absorb others' oboe playing.
Your background is also not devoid of any musical training. If you have never studied any music, the question would be much harder to answer. I would definitely try to do what you can, if you think the oboe is the instrument for you.
And if so...welcome to our community! Let us know your progress.
Rachel
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