Valparaiso, Indiana

Step Two-Playing the upper, middle and lower registers

The middle register of the oboe is the easiest register for oboists to play consistently well.  These are basically the notes on the staff of the treble clef (low Eb to octave key F).  For the best sound play a low Eb four four beats and hold that open embouchure in place as you play up the Eb major scale using your air speed to control the tone and pitch of each note.   Find the “sweet spot” on the reed that gives you the best sound on each of the notes.  (Remember that when you buzz a “G” on the second line of the treble clef with just your oboe reed you will produce the most vibration and the best pitch and tone quality on your oboe.)

The upper register starts with high G on the top space above the staff of the treble clef and continues to high C  on the second ledger line above the staff of the treble clef for intermediate oboists.  Again keep your embouchure open, direct your air up towards the ceiling, keep the air speed moving fast, find the sweet spot on the reed for the best sound and play a quarter note patter stepwise up the scale between high G and high C.  Be sure your top lip is firm, your bottom lip is dropped but still touching the reed, and both lips rolled under with no red part of your lips showing.

Oboes and saxophones have conical shapes-larger at the bottom and smaller at the top while flutes, clarinets, and bassoons have cylindrical shapes-the same size at the top and at the bottom.   To play low D, Db, and C be sure your fingers are directly covering each key of both hands.  Again, take your reed off the oboe and buzz just the reed to sound the G on the second line of the treble clef staff.  If the pitch is too high (sharp) when you buzz take less reed in your mouth or carefully open the reed one side at a time to avoid cracking your reed.  If the pitch is too low (flat) take more reed into your mouth or close the reed using your first finger and thumb for 15 seconds.  With the opening of the reed tip (aperture) in the correct position  (crescent shape) you should be able to sound low D, Db, and C.
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Students and oboists, our reeds are available at several locations and online. See our website for purchasing information: http://stradellareeds.com/find_us