The Oboe BBoard

The Oboe BBoard The C4 standard

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

Re: Reed and Embouchure Issues

Author: Dutchy
Date: 2006-06-10 17:56

My admittedly limited experience with reeds tells me that you can't assume that just because you're "rotating" among eight reeds, that it's not your reed strength that's at fault. Reeds can vary so widely--even two "medium" reeds from the same maker can vary, one can be more of a "medium soft" and the other can be more of a "medium hard". So I wouldn't assume that it's *not* the reed. What strength of reed are the reeds that you're using? Maybe you just need to "level up"? And are they all from the same maker? I have a couple Evans "Medium Soft" that are way stronger than my Gower "Mediums".

That said, no, I'm not aware of any way to "hold the reed open" while playing. If you have a reed that's collapsing, it's because it isn't stiff enough in the first place, or it's because you're squeezing on it (biting it) and forcing it closed, even unwittingly. Your embouchure should be a rounded muscular flexing cushion for the reed, not a vise clamped down onto it. Say the word "home" as you take the reed into your mouth--can you still play? If not, then you're biting the reed.

Quote:

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???

Only if you need to correct the pitch: pushing on the top reed makes the pitch sharp.

Quote:

I've also noticed that my lips get really tired, and sometimes I think my upper teeth may be cutting into my upper lip.

This is because you're biting down on the reed.

Quote:

Could y'all recommend any exercises to help strengthen my embouchure (long tones, slow scales???

Not if you're biting so bad you're cutting into your top lip. We don't wanna encourage that. (she said drily).

Quote:

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

Solve your embouchure problems in the lower register, and you'll find that the top notes come out much easier. Biting causes nothing but agonized squeaks in the top register.

Face it, you need at least one 30-minute consultation with your former oboe teacher. A picture is worth a thousand words, and one simple session with her can do you much more good than any number of posts on an Internet message board.

The reason she told you to stop when you were 12 might have been simply that you lacked the attention span to focus on the very difficult oboe embouchure, and she thought you'd just be happier, overall, on the clarinet. You are now older, and presumably have changed a lot. Don't assume that just because she suggested you focus on clarinet that it was meant as hurtful criticism. I have no doubt that she would be happy to at least give you 30 minutes' worth of constructive oboe criticism. I'd definitely give her a call.

Post Edited (2006-06-10 18:03)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics