Hello, and welcome!
In today’s blog post, we're diving into "Four Tips to Play Beautiful Low Notes on the Oboe".
While many oboists believe that achieving beautiful low notes hinges on having the perfect reed, that’s not the whole story. Yes, a well-functioning reed is important, but there are additional techniques that can significantly enhance your low notes. Let’s explore these tips together.
My name is Erin Brophey, the Principal Oboist of the Saskatoon Symphony and a sessional lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. I’m thrilled to share these insights with you today.
A Bit About My Oboe Journey
My journey with the oboe began in a remote part of Canada, surrounded by serene forests, trees, and lakes. While it was a beautiful place to grow up, it was also isolating—especially as the only oboist within 432 kilometers. Without access to a community of oboists, improving on the instrument felt overwhelming and frustrating.
My struggles with finding good reeds, a proper oboe, and reliable information were numerous, and there were many moments when I almost gave up.
Fortunately, I persevered, and today, I’m grateful to have a fulfilling performing and teaching career.
My experiences inspired me to share the knowledge I wish I had when I was starting out, which is why I conduct these live presentations.
I’ve also created an online program called the Oboe Path. This program includes a group online masterclass, a personalized plan, and one-on-one feedback to help oboists play with joy and ease. Through the Oboe Path, oboists join a supportive community, receive tailored practice plans, and learn to fit their progress into their busy lives.
Now, Let’s Dive Into the Four Tips for Playing Beautiful Low Notes on the Oboe:
1. Focus on Your Embouchure
Your embouchure plays a crucial role in producing low notes. One key technique is to push the corners of your mouth toward the center of your embouchure, rather than pulling them away. This small adjustment can make a big difference in how easily your low notes come out.
2. Use an Open Reed
A more open reed can greatly assist in playing low notes. If your reed is too closed, try gently squeezing it open with your fingers—only if the reed is very wet. Use just enough pressure, like you would when opening a delicate plastic straw. This helps your embouchure to open up the reed, making low notes easier to produce.
3. Support Your Air
Air support is vital for low notes. While they don’t require a huge volume of air, they do need slightly more air speed. Focus on pushing from your diaphragm to give your low notes the support they need.
4. Check Your Instrument
Sometimes, the issue with low notes isn’t you—it’s your instrument. To check if your oboe is the problem, unhook the bridge keys and play a low note. If it sounds easier with the bridge keys unhooked, the adjustment between the top and bottom halves of your oboe might be slightly off. In that case, it’s time to visit a trusted repair technician for a minor adjustment. This ensures that your low notes aren’t suffering due to a mechanical issue with your instrument.
I hope you found these tips helpful. Best of luck on your oboe journey—let's all strive to play with joy and ease.
Take care, and I’ll see you next time!
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