r/oboe

I'm constantly thinking what instrument I should learn first (oboe, organ, viola or cello), and I need to know what is the hardest part of learning the oboe.

Is it the embochure? Fingering? Breath control? Scraping the reeds?Maybe something else?

For me as a language freak, learning the embouchure would be like learning a weird consonant, and as someone who loves singing breath control also seems doable, but my perspective may be twisted due to having no experience with reeds.

And yeah, I know the most important thing is finding a teacher.

Note: I don't want to play in the orchestra, I just really like oboe's timbre, as it doesn't sound nasal and hoarse like the clarinet + it doesn't transpose.

Hi all, I have a job interview coming up for a local music service. They want an oboe teacher, but there aren't any students! The job would be to travel around local schools to give workshops, performances and generally encourage the oboe and woodwind as a viable option. This is the same music service I learned with as a child so I really would like to help out.

I've already got some ideas but I thought who better to ask than lots of lovely oboists! So what do you guys think is the best way to encourage kids to pick the oboe over other more common instruments? The service has lots of orchestras and bands, loads of spare oboes they'll lend for free, and discounted lesson fees already.

Thanks in advance 😊

Hi all, so I'm back and got a Fox 333 Oboe! Rental. But! I'm having issues with my embouchure. I did a trial run with the music store and the biggest concerns were finger placement, breath support, and leakage issues in the embouchure. After doing a test where I wrapped my who mouth around the reed and blew, we determined everything else is a matter or training and precision and practice.

The embouchure. Unfortunately for me I've have multiple reconstructive surgeries that leave my mouth a little different from others. Bilateral cleft is the kong way of saying it if you know what that means but functionally it means I have a weak upper lip that gets tired fast. But after some rest, the intial tone sounds like a note.

Now if you've read all this, you might be asking why the **** did you decide to learn one of the hardest wind insturemnts when you knowingly had physical limitations? Because I like a challenge and naive or not, I think it is possible to get really good and I would like to have that accomplishment.

So the actual question. What are some embouchure drills I can do to really fix and strengthen my weak small upper lip? I'm also compiling a list of teachers to reach out to so the more recommendations the better! Online or textbook resources or ANYTHING of great merit is very appreciated.

I look forward to this journey of starting all over with music again :D

(The crack dream is to play fluently on Oboe Clarinet and Soprano Sax, even if it takes 30-40 years)

DFW TEXAS BTW

I mean, it's not as unpopular as Heckelphone or Lupophone, but I'm curious why it doesn't have the recognition it deserves?

Hey everyone, I'm looking to get a case that holds both my selmer english horn and my loree AK oboe. Ive been eyeing both the marcus bonna and the bam cases. thought and suggestions would be appreciated !

title -- i got mine out about 3 days ago, and i have a festival coming up in ~12-13 days where there's gonna be a lot of playing 😔 will that be enough time for my mouth to heal and would i be able to practice at all before then?

I'm curious if there are people out there growing their own canes for reeds?

Situation is I cannot last long in a performance, I always get really tired after a paragraph, is there any possible way to improve? There’s always leaking, resulting of the tiredness of my lips.

My cat was stomping all over my cane! They love olive wood and my mandrel was too attracting for him.

Is anyone in this community willing to sell me a roger miller honing rod? If not, do you know where to buy one?

i’ll keep it short. i have been playing for 3 years, im a music ed major and study oboe. me and my teacher have discussed where to buy oboes but im still not sure on a saving goal. how much (on average) would get me a full conservatory model and semi-professional. thanks!! (edit: i’m looking for used model!)

I am currently a recent high school graduate and going to be attending one of the best music schools in the world this fall in a BM program (oboe). For many years, I have been very focused and very serious about either having a career in orchestra or in a military band for my country. To be clear I have been very good at the oboe for many years and had so many opportunities and experiences that many people going into conservatory do not have. I have been very disciplined and dedicated for a long time.

A few months ago I had some unexpected health challenges that has slowly been resolved (my family and I (and doctors!) figured out what was causing this and my issues with it have gone away because of some lifestyle changes). Earlier this year, I was in a couple festivals and with my home children's orchestra I had to spontaneously cancel on performing knowing it was unprofessional because I knew if I didn't I would have an embarrassing medical situation on stage and have to deal with it or run off stage- and any performance nerves made me feel so much worse. I felt I put a dent in my reputation with my friends and colleagues because of this and I slowly stopped practicing. I never scheduled my last home recital I have been wanting to have before I leave for school for years. I did this all knowing I was accepted and got a full tuition scholarship to my dream music school. It's now been months and I feel ready to be able to play at the same level as I did before, but I feel so unmotivated after taking such a long break. I no longer am in shape for playing and I do 30ish minutes of playing every like two days promising myself to get back into it and then I feel so stuck I don't want to continue and feel like it's another learning curve. My reedmaking skills have regressed I feel like, and I am upset with how my playing setup feels.

I really want to (and need to) get back to being a busy, hardworking, disciplined player. Hopefully someone here has some advice or words of wisdom? I am confident I will get there I just need it to happen earlier than being forced to do it when I am lagging in school. I am also posting this to r/classicalmusic because maybe someone has some wisdom.

Thank you 😊😊

I just switch from American scrape to European and its sound TERRIBLE and so hard to make a sound, and when I just change air or my mouth just a little bit and its sounds worse, I'm not sure if I'm playing it the right way' I don't even know how much reed should I put in my mouth or should I bring the corner in or out, Thank you in advance for all your advice!!!

Hello! I want to learn Oboe and would like any recommnedations on where to go to rent one or any alternative ways to get my hands on one and start playing. Anyone willing to teach privately would be awesome too. Not sure if I want to shell out 2k just yet. The closer to Frisco the better!

hello all,

I’ve been deathly sick for the past two weeks—still not all better—and was wondering if it’s possible to build back my endurance asap in the next two weeks. I have a summer camp tour coming up and I really don’t want my chops to fail me 💔

please help and offer any advice! I have a lot more time to practice now that’s its the summer as well