The Oboe BBoard

The Oboe BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Reed and Embouchure Issues

Author: ClariTone
Date: 2006-06-10 16:54

Hello!!!

I'm actually new to the Oboe BBoard, but frequently post on both the Doublers and Clarinet BBoards. I had played oboe about 4 years ago in middle school, but stopped when my oboe instructor told me I should focus on just clarinet. I'm getting ready to enter college in the fall as a music major (clarinet). Over the summer I decided to pick up the oboe again. I've made some rapid progress. I remembered all the fingerings, so that was one less roadblock. I'm getting (suprisingly) a pretty good tone and okay vibrato. However, I was wondering if y'all could help me out with some of my embouchure and reed issues.

Whenever I play oboe, after about a minimum of 3 minutes, my reed collapses causing me to play an unintentional 8va. I take it to mean that I am pressing down on the reed forcing it closed or that my reeds are too soft (however I don't think thats the case as I rotate 8 reeds of varying strengths, all of them collapsing rather quickly). So, how do I keep my reed from collapsing. Do I need to apply more pressure to the sides to "hold" it open?? How should I go about learning the proper oboe embouchure (the only qualified teacher is the one who told me to stop, so I don't really want to go back to her...)

I've also noticed that my lips get really tired, and sometimes I think my upper teeth may be cutting into my upper lip. Could y'all recommend any exercises to help strengthen my embouchure (long tones, slow scales???)

When playing in the upper register (top space G on up), is there anything different you must do to get these notes to speak clearly with a good tone.

Oh, and when forming the oboe embouchure, do you need to snug the reed against the lips by providing an upward push from the right hand thumb, much like the clarinet???

Thanks!!!
Clayton

Post Edited (2006-06-10 16:57)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics