Valparaiso, Indiana

# 1

Usually the advanced oboist has played the oboe for 3-4 years on a daily basis and ideally with a private teacher.  Playing a harder reed that produces a wide dynamic range in all registers is one of the biggest challenges for the advanced oboist.  A good medium or medium hard strength oboe reed works best for the literature composed for advanced oboists.

# 2

Oboe reed adjustment is necessary to maintain high quality performance on a daily basis that includes band, orchestra, chamber, and solo literature.  It is important for the advanced oboist to purchase a reed-making kit (Forrest Music at 800-322-OBOE) or at least the basic tools that include an oboe reed knife, oboe plaque, cutting block, and pliers.

# 3

Shaving the tip of the reed or cutting back the tip of the reed (hairline cut) will help with the resistance of the reed in all registers.  As the oboe reed ages from constant soaking in water and drying out, the reed is going to fatigue and become more resistant to play.  Depending on the number of hours the advanced oboist is practicing, the oboe reed can last two to three weeks before an adjustment is necessary and four to six weeks with minor adjustments.

# 4

Keeping the embouchure strong by practicing daily gives the advanced oboist more endurance.  Performing advanced literature from the Advanced Rhubank book or the Barret Studies in addition to level one solo literature and level one chamber music will challenge the advanced oboist to perform with a beautiful and consistent chocolate-like sound at all times.

# 5

Oboe reed-making is a good skill to develop during the months of summer vacation during the four years of high school.  A suggestion is to start with the purchase of profiled cane (bundles of 10 pieces of profiled cane at DoubleReed.com or Chartier.com).  With a private oboe instructor it is possible to begin having success with reed-making during the first summer of instruction.  Advanced oboists need to control their consistency of the oboe sound.  With a bank of good oboe reeds made during the summer months, the advanced oboist has the best opportunity to control their sound on a daily basis during the school year.