Yeah, I’ve kinda been told I sounded like a constipated duck when I had my first go blowing through an oboe. Ah sure, maybe in a few more years … hopefully ;)
How to learn the oboe
How I did it: After getting tired of playing the flute, I decided to switch to oboe when I go the chance at my school. (concert band; 7th grade)
At first I rented an oboe and taught myself. When the other oboe in my band dropped out, I returned my rented oboe and used the one my school borrowed from the high school. I also got a 6th grader to start playing the oboe.
When I went to music camp this summer, I planned to play the flute, but when the band I played in, there was no oboes so another girl and I asked if we could play the oboe. I was given first chair and played the whole day till my mouth got sore.
The people there at camp were very encouraging and said I had a lot of potential. They gave me tips on how to play the oboe and taught me how to make my own double reed.
I practice the oboe about 30 minutes a day plus my 30 minutes for flute and 1 hour or more for piano. My other instruments, I play a little bit every other day.
People say the oboe is one of the hardest instruments to learn. I say it's FUN!
Lessons & tips:
- to reach the lower notes, i keep my jaw loose...
- don't get reeds that have a wire on it.
- It's cheaper to make your own reed than to buy one from the store.
Resources:
- haward la honda music camp
- my band teacher
- music books

