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Re: Adult beginner question

Author: Bucky Badger
Date: 2003-12-18 14:15

I started oboe in my 2nd year of high school so I could play in orchestra. I already played sax and clarinet---started those instruments the 2nd part of my freshman year. Prior to that I only sang. Throughout the years of college played oboe in the university orchestra.

Looking back the major peaks early on in playing oboe were:

1. Controlling my breathing so I would not pass out while playing.

2. Getting the sound right so I would not play and sound like a bagpipe--someone in another message recently said it all---too much reed in the mouth, puffed cheeks, no vibrato.

In my early years my instructors were either sax players or clarinet players and they were good on their chosen instruments. My main teacher was anoter more advanced student who had the basics down.

Therefore after you get the fingerings down and the basic playing technique down and you find a store-bought reed that works concentrate on the two points above.

A real mistake I feel is thinking you have to make your own reeds. You can spend hours and hours working up a reed and those hours are better spent in playing.

It's important to find a "model" to get the sound of the instrument right. The model can be from the cheapest price on up.

1. Playing along with records/CDs or the tape player.

2. Listening to the city bands during practices and if possible looking at the music---maybe the band director has an unused folder. Later you can sit in and play along to the best of your developing abilities.

3. Taking lessons although I might add going for expensive lessions as a beginner is counter-intuitive. Maybe sitting in with the local school bands when possible is an option???

I have played oboe since the 1950s and only in the last 3 years after my work retirement did I sit in with the french horn section in the city band---they had 3 oboes and about 6 sax players and did not need more. Clarinet players were numerous but their were only 3 horn players. Started in year 2000 on horn and with dedicated 1 hour a day practice, taking the music home and with the purchase of a decent instrument, three years later now I am 1st horn.

I guess the attitude you take on any instrument is important. The oboe like any instrument is no better or worse than a screwdriver. It's the person who operates it that makes the difference. If you have the right dedication, the right concept that tone is everything and technique will come in it's time, then you can travel in the fast lane.

jim buchholz

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