Mastering the oboe can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when faced with those tricky passages that seem impossible to conquer. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a particularly challenging section of music, wondering if you’ll ever be able to play it at the right speed, you’re not alone. Every oboist, no matter their level, faces this struggle. But with the right approach, you can overcome these challenges and see real progress in your technique.
I’m Erin Brophey, the principal oboe player of the Saskatoon Symphony and a sessional lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. Today, I’m excited to share some tips that have helped me improve my own oboe finger technique, and I hope they’ll be just as helpful for you.
My Journey: From Remote Beginnings to Professional Success
Before we dive into the tips, I’d like to share a bit about my own journey with the oboe. Growing up in a remote part of Canada, surrounded by rocks, trees, and crystal-clear lakes, I didn’t have access to the resources many musicians take for granted. I started playing the oboe in my public school’s music program and quickly fell in love with the instrument. However, without access to good information, a functioning instrument, or even proper reeds, I faced numerous challenges that made improvement difficult. There were many times when I nearly gave up.
Fast forward 25 years, and I’m fortunate to make my living playing the oboe. I’ve learned that with the right guidance and support, the journey doesn’t have to be as difficult as mine was. That’s why I’m passionate about helping other oboists overcome their own obstacles. We have the incredible resource of the internet at our fingertips, and I want to make sure you have the tools and knowledge to succeed.
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. Here are four practical tips to help you increase the speed and accuracy of your oboe finger technique.
1. Hand Position: Relax for Speed
Before tackling that difficult passage on your music stand, take a moment to check your hand position. Imagine you’re about to eat a hamburger or veggie burger. When you bring it to your mouth, especially if your elbows are on the table, your hands naturally form a relaxed shape. This is the position you want to mimic when holding the oboe. Relaxed hands are key to allowing your fingers to move quickly and efficiently. By maintaining a natural, comfortable hand shape, you’ll find it easier to navigate those fast passages.
2. Gentle Touch: Marshmallow Fingers
Next, consider how you’re touching the oboe keys. Picture the silver parts of the keys as marshmallows—soft and delicate. When you press down, do so gently, as if you don’t want to leave a dent in the marshmallow. This light touch not only helps prevent injury but also allows your fingers to move more freely and quickly. A gentle touch is crucial for developing speed without compromising control.
3. Smooth Transitions: Blip-Free Playing
Smooth transitions between notes are essential for fast and fluid playing. I like to call these transitions “blips.” For example, moving from C natural to D should feel as smooth and effortless as moving from A to B natural. Use your relaxed “hamburger hands” and gentle “marshmallow fingers” to coordinate the timing of your fingers, ensuring that each transition is seamless. Practicing these smooth transitions will help you play faster passages with ease.
4. Rhythm: The Hidden Challenge
Often, what we perceive as technical issues are actually rhythm problems in disguise. If you’re struggling with a passage, it might be due to uneven rhythm rather than finger speed. One effective way to address this is to record yourself playing with a metronome. Listen back carefully, and you may notice rhythmic inaccuracies that you didn’t catch while playing. Slowing down the playback can also help you identify and correct these issues, leading to more consistent and accurate playing.
I hope these tips help you on your oboe journey. Remember, developing speed and technique takes time and patience, so be kind to yourself as you work on these skills.
Let’s all strive to become the oboists we’re meant to be—the ones everyone wants to play with. Play the oboe with joy and ease, and most importantly, enjoy the process of improving your craft.
Take care!
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