Beginning Oboe?!

Beginning Oboe this school year?!

Here are four tips:

Get a straw! Just like drinking your favorite milkshake through a small straw, your jaw and embouchure will match the feeling and shape. (Jaw open and relaxed, lips slightly folded in—be sure not to bite the reed.)

Holding the cork of the reed blow a steady stream of air through the reed to produce a solid tone.

Use a tuner and try to match a concert C pitch.

Add the reed to the oboe and work to practice 15 minutes a day to start; be consistent and have fun!

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Awkward Afternoons with Robert and Josh: Connecting to the Joy of Making Music and Feeling Feelings

In this episode of Awkward Afternoons Robert and Josh talk finding the joy in music. There are times when, as serious musicians, we can become fixated on the grind of seeing day to day improvement and progression. But, it's important to remember WHY you play music. Maybe it's to be the best? But, more likely, it's because music makes you FEEL. There's joy in making music. So, remember to have FUN. #iplayhere

Giocoso!

French, Italian, German, English, so many languages are represented in markings found in music. Do you ever wonder what these markings mean? We got you. Today’s word is “Giocoso” and means to play in a lively, merry or humorous fashion. Do you have a marking you’ve always wondered about?

Have a great weekend—we hope it’s giocoso! 😂😬

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Cane & Synthetic Reeds

Synthetic and Cane Reeds—what’s the deal?!

Woodwind players are very familiar with cane reeds, but the synthetic reed is still a mystery to some. The word “synthetic” covers a wide variety of alternate materials from which reeds can now be made. The primary benefits of synthetic reeds are they are always ready to go without the need to wet them, and they are unaffected by changes in humidity or temperature.

Here’s what our woodwind specialist, Carly, has to say:

“I think that synthetic reeds are perfect for players who need a reed to be ready quickly or are playing in an unstable environment. They also do last longer than cane reeds, if cared for. Traditional cane reeds are helpful when developing a core sound on your instrument, and I prefer them in a concert band or orchestra setting.”

There are pros and cons to any type of reed. The trick is to find what works best for you. When you find a the style and cut that suits you, your instrument will speak clearly in all registers and you will have a real sense of control over your sound.

What type of reed do you prefer?!

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