Step-by-step guide to making All-State Band/Orchestra with Tips on winning Auditions There is fierce competition at the high school level to surpass other musicians in the state. Some states are more or less competitive, depending on the size and skill level of the music programs. I will focus on my…
How long does an oboe reed last? and how to make it last Oboe reeds are a constant struggle for students and professionals alike. The expense in both time and cash is simply a necessary cost of making music for double reed players. Whether you buy or make reeds, the…
Why is the oboe to play? Advice from veteran Band Directors and Oboe teachers The oboe is one of the most recognizable sounds in the orchestra or band, and composers often use its sweet singing quality to carry the most sensitive and beautiful melodies. Learning the oboe can be extremely…
15 ways to support local musicians! Access to music has never been easier, and as a result our ears are exposed to music all the time. Often this music seems free whether it’s in the background at a store or in video game or online on Youtube or Pandora. Obviously…
How long does an oboe last? Seven tips on how to make it last longer from professional oboists. As I struggled to prepare for my next audition I started to wonder, how long do oboes last? Should I replace mine? I started to think that maybe my six-year-old oboe is…
Playing in tune on the oboe: exercises and tips Can you tune an oboe? A friend of mine, who is a band director, complained that all his oboe students play very out of tune and invited me to come work with them. I began to have flashbacks of my own…
Why Are Oboes So Expensive? When compared to similar wind instruments, oboes are easily the most expensive over time. While a very high-end bassoon or Rose Gold flute may cost as much as $20,000, these instruments are very durable and may last a lifetime. In contrast, a professional oboist will…
Why Does the Oboe Tune the Orchestra? And how to do it right In a full orchestra, at the start of every concert and rehearsal, the oboe will tune the orchestra by playing a long, sustained A (the second space on the treble clef).. This has become such a standard…
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on email Email A Brief History of the Oboe The oboe is a staple of Western art music and the most distinct solo sound in the orchestra, but cultures around the world have been using soprano double reed instruments for music…
When and where to take your oboe to the shop; an ever growing list of great repair techs Below is a list of over 25 experienced oboe repair techs across the USA. They have been recommended to me by professional oboists and though I have not worked with all of…