| As with the studying of any musical instrument, | | | | we form the mouth when playing. The oboe |
| learning oboe is all about technique. There are a | | | | embouchure always looks very tight to the |
| number of technical aspects related to playing the | | | | unknowing eye, but, in fact, is very relaxed |
| oboe which need to be understood and applied if | | | | around the reed. The pulling back of the lips is |
| you are to become an oboist. The human body | | | | simply to bring the muscles around the edge of |
| was not designed to play musical instruments. | | | | the mouth into contact with the reed. The oboe |
| Instrumental technique is, therefore, the way in | | | | reed cannot be controlled with the red part of our |
| which we overcome the body's resistance to | | | | lips. Beginner oboe players often experience a |
| what we are forcing it to do. | | | | slight burning sensation in their cheeks. This is just |
| This article is aimed especially at oboe for | | | | muscle tiredness. |
| beginners and will explore five particular areas | | | | Tonguing Tonguing on the oboe produces a clear |
| which need to be carefully developed. These are | | | | and precise start to each note. The tongue |
| Posture, Breathing, Embouchure, Tonguing, and, | | | | touches the tip of the reed and interrupts the air |
| finally, Hand & Finger Position. Both the | | | | flow. As the tongue pulls away, as if pronouncing |
| understanding and application of these aspects are | | | | a "Tuh", it allows the air to rush into the reed |
| vital when learning oboe. | | | | making the cane vibrate and producing the sound. |
| Posture Good posture is the basic foundation on | | | | Hand & Finger Position This is very important |
| which everything else is based; - bad posture = | | | | for young oboe players when their hands are still |
| bad oboist! Good oboe technique requires that the | | | | rather small. If you let your hand hang passively |
| feet are about shoulder-width apart with the | | | | at your side you will see the hand at its most |
| weight evenly distributed. The head should be | | | | relaxed with the thumb straight and the fingers |
| upright and the oboe raised to an angle of about | | | | slightly curved. This is the shape we are trying to |
| 60 degrees. | | | | replicate when playing. |
| Breathing This is the most important single | | | | So, as with any instrument, learning oboe requires |
| technique of all, especially as we are looking | | | | a methodical approach which puts the acquisition |
| primarily at oboe for beginners. Breathing must | | | | of good technique first. Although this article gives |
| always be from the diaphragm, not the chest, | | | | a brief outline of the basics of playing the oboe, I |
| and breaths should always be taken through the | | | | would recommend a proper course of oboe |
| mouth, not the nose. Shoulders should remain | | | | tuition with an experienced oboe teacher. This is |
| level and relaxed throughout and not lifted. Slight | | | | especially important for young oboists. |
| dizziness is experienced by some young oboists | | | | If you can develop fully the techniques necessary |
| as their bodies get used to the deep breathing so | | | | and learn to play the oboe well, you will have a |
| important to oboe playing. | | | | skill which will enhance your life as a player of one |
| Embouchure This is the term we use for the way | | | | of the most beautiful of all musical instruments. |