How to Begin to Play the Oboe

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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The oboe is considered one of the most difficult instruments to play, but with the proper posture, breathing and blowing techniques, you can learn to express the audible nature of this member of the woodwind family.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Posture

Step1
Keep your back straight with your shoulders above your hips and head above your shoulders.
Step2
Keep you feet flat on the floor.
Step3
Bring the oboe to you. Do not lean forward to the oboe.
Step4
Hold the oboe at about a 45-degree angle to the body. Keep your shoulders at a relaxed position and elbows 4 to 6 inches away from the sides of your body.

Hand Placement

Step1
Place your left hand on the top joint (10 or 11 holes) of the oboe with a straightened wrist and your palm pointed away from the oboe.
Step2
Use the first finger of your left hand as a hinge on the half hole.
Step3
Slide the fingers of your right hand along the bottom joint, which has 10 holes.

Breathing

Step1
Breathe as deeply as possible from the bottom of your lungs. Your stomach should expand first, then the chest and finally the upper chest. This is to create the expansion in the upper body that will ultimately help you to blow properly.
Step2
Repeat this exercise several times.
Step3
Release enough air to feel natural, but not too much.

Mouth Position

Step1
Pucker your lips. Do not smile.
Step2
Form the embouchure (use of facial muscles and shaping of lips) by securing the top of the reed near the edge of your lower lip.
Step3
Create muscle tension at the corners of your mouth.

Blowing

Step1
Steadily push inward and somewhat upward with your abdominal muscles. Tension should be felt around the belt area.
Step2
Repeat this exercise several times.
Step3
Blow more air for a louder sound and less air for a softer sound.

Tips & Warnings

  • Correct posture, breathing and blowing are crucial when playing the oboe. If you feel like you are not doing it right, stop and start over.
  • Do not propel your jaw forward. Keep it relaxed.
  • In order to achieve a successful sound, there should be as little reed in the mouth as possible and your teeth should not be close together.

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eHow Article:  How to Begin to Play the Oboe

eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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