An oboe looks like a clarinet, but it does not have a mouthpiece. It has a double reed, so although it is not easy to play, it has a beautiful and unique sound. Give this instrument a try to see if you like it, then you can take classes and learn how to play it in a band.
Steps
Step 1. Soak your rod in a glass of water for at least 1 minute
Saliva is not good for reeds. Be careful not to soak the reed for too long as this will make it more difficult to play. While soaking the reed, take the bell from the instrument and place it on the underside of the main part of the instrument.
Step 2. Before the reed is inserted into the instrument, blow on it for a few seconds to remove the saliva / water
Then take the reed and place it inside the top of the main section of the instrument. Blow on the reed for a few seconds again to see if the whole instrument is working perfectly.
Step 3. Place the reed in the middle of your lower lip and put your lip over the teeth until they are covered
Close your lips around the reed. You should put your lips on the tip of the reed, which is slightly above the middle and is usually thinner than the rest of the reed.
Step 4. To get used to playing a double reed instrument (if this is your first time playing the oboe), place the tip of your tongue over the opening of the reed
When blowing, think that you are pronouncing the syllable "du" (of course, with your lips still around the reed). If steps 6 through 8 are done correctly, a sharp note will come out of the reed, if not, perform those steps again.
Step 5. Continue inserting the reed into the top opening
Apply cork lubricant if necessary. Get sheet music from a beginner's oboe book or from a website listed at the end of this article. An easy note to start with is a middle A or B. For an A, place your right thumb under the thumb rest located at the bottom of the oboe. This hand does not touch any key.
Step 6. Get in position to play, good posture is important for a good sound
Put your feet on the floor and place the oboe facing forward and away from the knees.
Step 7. Place your left hand in the upper opening
Your index and middle fingers should cover the first two keys that have holes. Make sure the holes are covered. Your thumb goes under the key on the back of the instrument, for now.
Step 8. When you finish playing, you will have left some saliva on the instrument
Take a special cloth and pass it through the three parts of it. Then, put all the pieces in their case.
Step 9. And remember, the oboe is not for everyone
You must tune in with your mouth and change the position of your mouth to get the right sound.
Advice
- Never force your oboe when putting it together. Cork openings swell due to different temperatures. This is normal. Apply liberal amounts of cork lubricant until it glides on easily.
- If your oboe is very, very difficult to assemble and disassemble, you may need to polish the corks lightly. Don't do it for yourself. You better find a professional.
- If you have trouble covering all the key holes with your fingers, you can use small squares of tape on the keys to cover them. This is a temporary solution, like using assist wheels on a bicycle.
- Warming up the instrument is absolutely mandatory if you are using a wooden oboe. If you're playing in an unheated cold room, the wood can break (or, in rare cases) do irreplaceable damage, such as exploding. Place the top opening of the oboe inside your jacket and hold it in your hands or under your armpits to warm the outside of the wood. This is the area most likely to break.
- Remember to place the reed in your mouth properly or the sound will be out of tune.
- Once you are confident in your abilities and if your teacher recommends it, join a local band or orchestra. Meeting other musicians and improving your skills by playing more difficult pieces is a great experience. Traditionally, oboes are heard in orchestras, so you are more likely to be in that situation. However, oboes are also heard in bands, so if a band suits your style more, go for it!
- When you blow, avoid tightening your lips to avoid dull tones. Think of your lips as pillows instead of clamps.
- Buy a cotton swab for your instrument to prevent it from getting dirty and smelling bad. If you have a wooden oboe, cleaning the inside is essential to prevent it from breaking, especially in cold or dry weather.
- Try to befriend someone else who plays the oboe. It will help to have someone who can be your mentor if you are just starting out.
- You won't be good after 5 minutes of playing. Start with easy-to-play material, then gradually work your way up to more difficult material.
Warnings
- Don't play the oboe right after eating, as food residue, salts, and sugars blown onto your oboe can damage it. If you must do it anyway, rinse your mouth in water, or better yet, brush your teeth first.
- Be very careful with your reeds. They can be broken very easily and reeds are much more expensive for other instruments such as the alto saxophone and clarinet (but they will wear out after a few months if used properly).
- The oboe is a very difficult instrument to learn and you can get frustrated at times.
- If you have a large swab, never force it through the top opening, even if it resists. Buy a smaller one if necessary. Turkey feathers are commonly used for this.
- If you have a wooden oboe, be sure to warm it up with your hands when in a cold environment before playing it, to reduce the risk of it breaking. Oiling your oboe about once a year will also help, just as much as having a small humidifier at home.
- Never tamper with spring mechanisms unless you are a professional repairman. If you feel a double movement in the keys, contact someone who knows about it. (It is advisable that you make sure that the person you contact is trustworthy. As in any industry, there are those who are not very good at what they do, and if you have an expensive instrument, you do not want them to damage it instead of fixing it. plus.)
- Avoid the temptation to soak cane in your saliva. Saliva tends to break down reed faster than water.
- Make sure the holes in the keys are completely covered. Otherwise, the wrong note or very unpleasant sound will sound.
- Unlike other instruments, taking at least one year of classes is very important. The oboe cannot truly be learned from a music book, and attempting to do so will only harm the ears of those around you! If taking classes is out of reach, you may consider playing another instrument.