Oboists are their own breed of student. They're typically driven and focused with an eye for details. We love their virtues and it's a good thing because they can be odd ducks, no pun intended! Our ensembles need the gorgeous sound their instrument produces when played well. How do we help them hone their skills, so they can be an asset to our ensemble? Below are 5 resources I suggest and use to help my oboe students on a regular basis.
Private Teacher
Oboe students need someone who speaks their language. Someone who knows when to commiserate over a terrible reed and when to kick them in the pants and get them to USE MORE FOCUSED AIR! That someone needs to have more experience on the oboe than a 6 week course in the undergrad can give. As a private oboe teacher I understand that we're a little bit like unicorns, elusive, yet magical when found. There are a couple options to help the search and assist students who are in more rural areas. Start at the nearest University. Shoot an email to the oboe professor and ask for some recommendations. They typically have a feel for who is in the area or which university students are ready to take on their own studio. If the nearest University is too far, then feel out your current area. Ask other directors in neighboring towns if they have any connections. Even if the student can only afford to travel and meet with their teacher once or twice a month it's more instruction and direction then they would have otherwise.
Honor Ensembles
Be sure to take advantage of any opportunity you have to help them come in contact with other oboists. We're a rare breed and in many cases tend to be on our own in our ensemble. I grew up in a rural area. Until my senior year I was not only the sole oboist in my band, but also my school, my district, and the neighboring districts, as well. My first contact with other oboists was when my director took us to an honor band at our nearest university, about 1.5 hours away. I was so floored that other oboists existed. It was a Jasmine moment...
I was able to spend the weekend "talking shop" with the other oboists. We shared places we had found to buy reeds, favorite fingerings for different notes, and bragged about how much we practiced. It was a great way to encourage a deeper love for honing our skills.
Youtube
In today's digital world, our students have a whole universe of video resources at their fingertips for free. In seconds they can access recordings, lessons, and masters of their instrument. Sorting through the less desirable uploads can be daunting at times. I've included a list of Youtube channels that I find upload quality content on the free printable at the end of the page. When it comes to using Youtube to access recordings of solos and other pieces, I always encourage my students to use a critical ear. Does the performance sound polished? Did they use proper dynamics and intonation? If they find a lack-luster performance, we use it as a teaching tool. What could the performer have done better? What exercises in their practice could hone those skills?
ASU Oboe Resource Page
Martin Schuring is a great resource when it comes to the oboe. His recordings are fantastic and he has done a great deal in supporting the oboe community during his career. The resource page he has built on Arizona State University's website is a great place to send your students with questions. He has articles on a variety of topics to support the emerging oboist. I've included it on the free printable at the end of this page. You can also access his page HERE.
IDRS or International Double Reed Society
As per their website, they are "a worldwide nonprofit organization made up of professional double reed players, students, amateurs, hobbyists, university/college instructors, music teachers, institutions, instrument manufacturers, double reed product retailers, reed makers, and enthusiasts." Their website hosts a wealth of knowledge on all things double reed. Resources to answer fingering and playing questions, lists of competitions, a marketplace to purchase instruments, and up-to-date information on the IDRS Conference. A five day event held at a new location each year specifically geared toward double reed players. I had the opportunity to go while I was in college. My sister, a bassoonist, came with me and for those five days, we were in double reed heaven!
Pics or it didn't happen, right?! Thank you early 2000s camera for the incredible exposure, lol. This was before the days when you carried a great camera in your pocket.
Conclusion
Now that you've found a couple helpful nuggets in this list, be sure to download this printable and use it as a resource for your oboe students. Thank you for supporting your oboe students and helping them develop their skills! I'm always happy to answer any oboe questions you might have, feel free to shoot me an email! Download the Printable HERE or click on the image below.
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AuthorAfter falling in love at college, Michael and Rachel Mitchell began a journey to share the love of music with their five boys and others around them. They enjoy sharing their experiences and knowledge. Archives
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