Q&A for How to Play the Oboe

No. The "plastic" is for keeping the reed really tight so it doesn't leak.

Flute and oboe embouchure is quite different. It would be very difficult to switch, embouchure-wise, but fingerings are actually very similar. Air pressure and direction would also have to change a bit to get an acceptable tone (meaning a good sound). If you've played reed instruments in the past, it might be easier to switch. Remember, the difficulty level will be different for every player. What may be easy for you might be hard for another. I recommend looking up tips from professionals or taking lessons.

You should check that your lips are curving inwards so they are cushioning your teeth. Or you could let the air come out from deeper inside your body, like your stomach instead of your throat.

Oboes may be very expensive, so this is a common problem. Consider renting one from your local music shop, or buying a used one. This will still be more expensive than doing the same with other instruments, however.

Try blowing more softly. The screech can be caused by too much air pressure.

Not really. Oboe fingerings are closer to flute fingerings. That doesn't mean transitioning from sax to oboe is impossible, though.

It is a different instrument but you already have a musical ear, the ability to play an instrument and the ability to read and understand music. Thus, having the desire to change to another instrument and learn it well is probably all you need -- that and sufficient practice.

Switching will not be hard - and you can decrescendo on the oboe by controlling your air and creating less sound.

It depends on what kind of scale. Many oboe, music books have lists of scales in them somewhere, the front or back. Here are some just in case: C major (all naturals), C D E F G A B C. B flat major (b=flat), Bb C D Eb F G A Bb.

D flat above the staff is fingers two and three on your left hand and your pointer and first pinky key on your right. Blow quickly and shape your air upward.

Try checking any local music stores and ask the employees. Some may have them for rent/purchase, though you might not see them on display.

Flutes and oboes are both woodwind instruments and may sound similar. If you aren't getting the sound you want out of your oboe, you may need to work on your embouchure to find a clear, consistent sound.

First, try having the reed out of the oboe and just blowing on that. There may be a problem with the reed. I found that the mouth position they suggest is slightly different from what I do, I always put my bottom lip curved in then set my reed on it then also curve my top lip in and press it on the reed, like you’re making an M noise.

If you are already good at reading the music, have a good practice regimen, and have a good ear, switching to the oboe will be easier than starting from scratch. However, it will not be exactly the same because you will be using the muscles in your mouth differently, and also using a reed. But, having some musical ability should help you get your feet off the ground.

Knowing how to play one instrument usually makes it easier to learn another, but oboe and trumpet are very different.

Use a piano or timed app. Then find the correct spot on the reed. It can be difficult to find, so keep trying. If you can't, push the reed in if it is sharp and pull out of it is flat.

No. You could learn the basics, but you won't be proficient.

No, you can't, because every reed is unique so a bassoon reed can't go on an oboe or vise versa. The double reeds are made for the double reeds and the clarinet is a single reed.

Oboes are expensive, so consider renting one from a music store until you're sure you like playing and want to continue. Thereafter, you could try finding a used one to purchase.

Reeds are very fragile, so if you have a damaged reed you most likely will need to purchase a new one. Double check that the reed is pushed all the way down into the oboe, but if you still can't get a sound the reed could be damaged.

Work on exhaling before you inhale so that you can get a full breath, and use your diaphragm muscles to blow continuously. It just takes some practice!

Follow your instructor's advice (if you don't have one, you can hire a tutor for online video sessions) on areas to improve, keep your oboe in tune, check out YouTube tutorials, experiment by playing along with songs, join a band, but most of all, you'll see improvement by following proper technique and practicing daily.

To achieve high notes, press the octave key on whatever high note you would like to play, tightening your embouchure and using your stomach/abdomen muscles.

This depends on which instruments you are switching between. Some instruments, like the oboe and clarinet, are similar enough that many of the same skills can be transferred over. If the instruments are entirely different, though, you may need to learn the new instrument from scratch.

Yes, but it really depends on your musical ability. Because you've played music before, you would need to get used to the reeds, embouchure, key signature, etc. The oboe is hard to switch to from any instrument, but as long as you practice and work hard, you should be fine.

Yes, you could probably play oboe, and you already know how to read music, so you just have to adjust your embouchure and learn the fingering for the notes. The oboe's note range is much higher than the bass clarinet, so you would have to tighten your mouth and get used to the double reed.

Yes, it is perfectly normal. Any reeds will do that due to vibration, especially if you have braces or something like that. It happened to me when I started the venova (which uses soprano sax reeds). You've got to develop pretty thick skin for reed instruments. My advice is to take breaks, drink lots of water, and use lip ointment at the end of the day. Ask your teacher or a doctor for advice if it doesn't stop.

It depends what type of reed it is (the maker, how tough it is). Generally I would say no. A couple of minutes is enough, but if you still can't get a squeak out from crowing it, you can soak it for longer.

Some helpful options may be looking online, or finding a local music store or studio. Some music stores have teachers, while looking online may direct you to a music studio nearby.

Yes. It is a great and rewarding experience. It may be easier to learn from an instructor, but it is definitely okay to be self-taught. Make sure to carefully check your resources' reliability. It is best to learn from professional or experienced oboe players, and not random people who may have just picked up the instrument yesterday.