The oboe is, in appearance, very similar to the clarinet, but it does not have a mouthpiece. In fact, the oboe is played with a double reed, which produces a unique and wonderful sound. However, this is not an easy instrument to play. First of all, you should try the instrument to get an idea of what it really means to play the oboe, and then, if you really like it, take lessons and learn how to play, maybe to one day play in a band or orchestra..
Steps
Step 1. Wet the reed by soaking it for a minute in a glass of water
Wetting her with saliva is not good. But be careful not to soak the reed too much, otherwise, it becomes difficult to play. While the reed is soaked, mount the bell of the instrument, in the lower part.
Step 2. Before mounting the reed on the instrument, blow inside it for a few moments to remove the drops of water and try to play it by itself before putting it on
After that, take the reed and insert it on top of the oboe. Blow into the reed again for a few seconds to make sure everything works as it should.
Step 3. Place the reed in the center of the lower lip and fold the lip over the teeth until they are covered
Close your lips around the reed. The lips should be placed on the tip of the reed. The tip of the reed is that small piece that is located just above the central part of the reed and is thinner than the rest of the reed. Remember not to squeeze the reed with the muscles of the mouth, the lips must be completely relaxed: if the sound does not come out it depends on the pressure given by the diaphragm. Lip squeezing will help get the sound out at the moment, but it is a wrong method that will cause you problems later on. Start with light reeds.
Step 4. To get used to playing with the double reed (if, of course, this is the first time you play with a similar instrument) place the tip of the tongue on the opening of the reed
Blowing into the reed, try to imagine saying "duu" (of course, keeping your lips on the reed). If steps 6 to 8 are performed correctly, you should produce a high note. Otherwise, re-read these steps.
Step 5. Next, insert the reed in the top piece, applying cork grease if you think it is needed
Get a note chart from a beginner's book or from the website listed at the end of this guide. An easy note to start with is the central A or the B. To play the A, place your right thumb on the appropriate piece located at the bottom of the oboe. This hand, for now, will not have to close any buttons.
Step 6. Get in position
In the correct execution of an instrument, it is important to have a good posture. Place your feet on the floor, and place the oboe towards the outside of your knees.
Step 7. Place your left hand on the top piece
The index and middle fingers go respectively on the first two frets with holes. Make sure you close the holes well. The thumb must be placed, for now, under the key on the back of the oboe.
Step 8. When you are finished playing, you will notice that there will be some saliva left in the instrument
Take a piece with a weight and pass it through all three pieces of the oboe. Then, place all the pieces in their place in the case. Remember that the oboe is not for everyone. To play well, you will need to practice and adjust your position and embouchure.
Advice
- Resist the temptation to buy plastic reeds. While being stronger than bamboo reeds, these reeds produce lower quality sounds, are difficult to play and will not help you develop a correct embouchure.
- Never force the pieces of the oboe. Depending on the temperature, the cork joints may swell. This is all normal. Apply enough cork grease for you to whip up the oboe.
- If you are using a wooden oboe, warming up the instrument before playing is absolutely necessary. If, in fact, you are in a cold room and you start playing without heating the instrument, the wood could crack, or, on rarer occasions, totally break or even explode. Slip the top piece of the oboe into the jacket, hold it in your hand or under your armpit to warm the outside. This, in fact, is the area most subject to damage from the cold.
- You won't get good after just 5 minutes of studying. Start with easy studies, and gradually increase the difficulty.
- Buy a small piece to clean the instrument from dirt and moisture and to prevent it from becoming smelly. If you have a wooden oboe, cleaning the instrument is essential to prevent it from cracking, especially when the air is cold and dry.
- When you blow into the instrument, avoid tightening your lips to avoid muffling the sound. Imagine your lips as pillows rather than claws.
- If your oboe is always very hard to assemble and disassemble, you may need to have the cork replaced by a professional. Never try to replace it yourself.
- Don't blow too hard, or you'll only make annoying sounds.
- Once you have become good, and you will be advised by a teacher, join the band or orchestra of the country. This type of activity is very suitable for gaining experience, meeting other musicians, improving your skills and playing more difficult pieces. The oboe, in general, is an orchestral instrument, so it will probably be in this situation that you will find yourself playing more often. Anyway, oboes can play in a band too, so if you like playing in a band more, give it a try!
- Get to know other oboists. It will be helpful to find more experienced people from whom to draw advice and teachings.
- If you have serious intentions, join the orchestra or band of your school or country. You should also attend music lessons.
- Remember to put enough reeds in your mouth or you will be out of tune.
- If your fingers can't completely cover the holes on the keys, apply small amounts of electrical tape to the keys to cover the holes. This, however, is only a temporary solution, and will be like riding a bicycle on wheels.
Warnings
- The oboe is a very difficult instrument, and a beginner could be discouraged.
- Pay close attention to the reeds. These are very delicate, and cost a lot more than reeds for other instruments such as saxophone and clarinet (however, if used correctly, they take a couple of months to wear out).
- Do not play immediately after eating, because the residues of food, salt and sugar in your mouth could end up in the oboe, damaging it. If you absolutely must play after eating, wash your mouth with water, or, even better, brush your teeth.
- Unlike other tools, taking at least a year of lessons is very important. The oboe cannot be taught completely through a book, and, if you try to adopt this solution, you will only damage the eardrums of those around you! If you cannot afford to take lessons, perhaps it would be better to choose another tool.
- If your piece is large and resists, do not force it into the oboe. Buy a smaller piece if needed.
- Resist the temptation to wet the reed with saliva. Saliva tends to damage the reed faster than water.
- Make sure all the holes on the keys are completely covered. Otherwise, you will produce the wrong notes or otherwise unpleasant sounds.
- Never touch the springs, unless you are a professional. If you should feel a double-movement on any of the keys, contact a professional immediately or take the oboe to the shop. However, make sure that the specialized technician you decide to entrust with the tool is honest and reliable. As in any industry, there are those who know what they do, and those who don't, and if your instrument is very expensive you should leave it in the care of an expert.
- If you have a wooden oboe, be sure to warm it in your hands before playing to reduce the risk of cracks. Other precautions to be taken are to oil the oboe once a year and keep a small humidifier in the case.
