Hello, and welcome! My name is Erin Brophey, and I’m the Principal Oboe Player of the Saskatoon Symphony as well as a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. I’m so glad you’re here!
A question I often get asked is: How many reeds do I need, anyways? It’s a great question, and I’m going to break it down for you. But before I dive into the details, let me share why I’m so passionate about this topic.
Growing up in a remote part of Northern Ontario, Canada—a place rich in natural beauty but lacking in oboists—I faced many challenges when I first picked up the oboe. I didn’t have access to quality information, a well-functioning instrument, or even proper reeds. These struggles made my journey difficult, and there were times when I nearly gave up.
That’s why I’m committed to sharing what I’ve learned through live presentations like this one. Thanks to the internet, we have an incredible resource at our fingertips, and it’s my mission to ensure that aspiring oboists don’t face the same struggles I did. I want your journey to be smoother, more enjoyable, and full of progress.
To help with this, I’ve created The Oboe Path, a unique six-month online program that I absolutely love. This program includes an online masterclass, a personalized plan, and laser-focused one-on-one feedback, all designed to help oboists play with joy and ease. The online masterclass keeps you motivated, the personalized plan helps you practice efficiently, and the one-on-one feedback ensures that your practice time is productive, leading to immediate results.
Now, let’s get back to the question at hand: How many reeds do you need? The answer depends on where you are in your development as an oboist and how many hours you’re playing. As you progress, you’ll play more and, naturally, need more reeds. Reeds don’t last forever—they have a period when they work wonderfully, but eventually, they wear out and need to be replaced.
For the parents out there, you might wonder: How many reeds does my child need for learning the oboe? Your child might frequently ask for more reeds, and while it might seem excessive, it’s actually quite reasonable. Reeds are made of organic material, and as they’re used, they lose the flexibility needed to vibrate properly, which is essential for producing sound. So, yes, it’s entirely normal for oboists to need new reeds regularly.
Let’s break it down based on your level of experience and practice time:
Beginners: If you’re just starting out and playing a couple of times a week, one or two reeds can last you for several months. From September to December, two or three reeds should suffice, and the same goes for December to June. However, it’s always a good idea to have a spare reed because they’re fragile—just a bump can cause them to break.
Intermediate Players (High School): If you’re in grades 9-12 and playing more frequently, taking lessons, and practicing at home, I suggest having one reed per month. If you’re involved in a youth orchestra and several community bands, you might need two reeds per month.
University-Level Players: At this level, you’re likely practicing two to three hours a day, performing in multiple ensembles, and possibly taking on gigs and recitals. I recommend aiming for three great reeds per week. While you should make more than three reeds, focus on having three that are performance-ready, using the others for practice.
Professional Players (like myself): I spend 20 to 25 hours a week with the instrument on my face between rehearsals and practice. For my needs, I make and use five or six reeds weekly, ensuring they’re broken in and ready for performances.
I hope this guide gives you a better understanding of how many reeds you might need on your journey as an oboist. If you’ve ever wondered, What if my reed doesn’t last? What do I do if it doesn’t sound great for the concert?—then you’re in the right place.
Let’s all become the oboists everyone wants to play with. Take care, and remember to play with joy and ease!
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