What Is An Oboe?

WHat do i need to know if i wanna play the oboe?

• Alright so im in middle school and i play clarinet and violin but i want to play oboe cuz its realy pretty sound! I wanna try something new i will be the only oboe player in my band class =) Is it hard to play? What do i need to play it? Is it high maintenance Hom much money does one cost in the state of CA Is it similar to the clarinet? PLease tell me EVERYTHING about an oboe thanks!

• Answer:

  Before you get serious, study up on it a lot to make sure you really want to learn to play it since it is frustrating, pricy and takes a lot of dedication to even get good at it. I used to play clarinet and thought it was similar, it is not. The mouth piece is way smaller and makes a tiny shrill like sound and at first when you play, you will notice the heavy back pressure the instrument provides. At first I would get headaches but that wouldn't stop me and I got used to it eventually. It may be hard at first with the back pressure and the fingerings are very different compared to clarinet. To play it, you need an oboe, some reeds (you can buy them for around 15$ they vary), swab, case, etc. Make sure you get a teacher to help you at the start! It really helps! It can be high maintenance especially when buying reeds, those little suckers get to be expensive especially if you must replace them a lot. Professionals mostly make their own and I am making my own but they take time. Whatever you do DO NOT drop it. It can bend or break and repairs can be pricy and be very careful with your reeds for the break easily as well! I would recommend renting one at first to see how you do, if you really want to buy get a good company and mine costed around 4,000$ and this wasn't a high end oboe. They can get very pricy depending on the brand and how fancy it is like 15,000$. It is lighter than the clarinet but you hold it at an angle around 45 degrees. They use up WAY less air as you play and you have to breathe out before breathing back in since you dont use up all your air just make sure not to hyperventilate! I warn you about the "pretty sound" part. Yes I agree it is very lovely but it takes many years of playing to achieve that sound with many hours of practise. Some days may be up and some may be down it can be a very picky instrument. Just get a teacher for they help A LOT to make you better. I never want to discourage anyone I am just saying from my experience and not trying to sugar anything up. I hope you someday learn it and enjoy the instrument!! Check out this site and you can always email these guys with questions: http://oboes.us/ Best of wishes :)