Glad I knew like 90% of these when I started. I feel like sometimes mental preparation and enthusiasm can go a long way and make difficult tasks seem easier. If you know what you’re going up against, you won’t be discouraged and will put more effort into learning.
Due to the small double reed, through which air is blown into the instrument, the oboe is played with a SMALL volume of breathing air but with HIGH respiratory pressure.Any excess breathing air cannot escape completely from open tone holes and the bell, and the oboe player has to exhale intermittently through the mouth and nose between phrases. Otherwise, stale air will remain in the lungs and the oboist may feel faint or dizzy. If this exhalation is not made, the inhalation made in its place will not sufficiently refresh the air already in the lungs and the volume of new air will be insufficient. A trumpet requires a pressure that is TWICE as high as that needed for the oboe, but the trumpet also requires a LARGE volume of air, thus the trumpeter will empty the lungs frequently, avoiding the problem of excess volume faced by the oboist. The size of the oboe reed opening and the oboist's embouchure makes it possible to achieve the required high pressure but prevents the exhalation of excess air in the lungs.
I wish I knew all this before choosing the oboe in high school. It is very expensive for just the mouth reeds (that get worn out quickly and need to be replaced), is hard to play requiring skilled air pressure control, lots of exertion, and specific embouchure, and there is basically an oboe solo in every piece of music! So if you hate the limelight and get stage fright easily, don’t choose the oboe. I remember so many embarrassing moments when I squawked or squeaked while playing a solo on the oboe, etc. Also you will sound like a goose squawking and squealing as a beginner. My parents and siblings got so annoyed at the loud “noises”as I tried to learn the oboe. The oboe is an instrument that is very hard to master but it pierces the heart with its poignant notes and is so beautiful and unique. Also, if you can play the oboe then you can play the English Horn. Same keys. I played both in symphonic band when I was in high school.
Far out!! I just started and it feels good to know these things - you should do a video on how to keep maintance of an oboe and how to make sure it is tuned (tips for tuning, etc..), cause tbh I have NO idea when my oboe sounds good. The whole 'shying away' thing is so relatable, I'm the only oboist in my school's orchestra and because I'm a beginner it can be so embarrassing to mess up the easiest thing in front of everybody lolll! P.S. Just checked out your channel, you're super talented!!
the oboe is similar to the chinese suona, both originate from the same ancient persian instrument. The chinese suona now has 2 different versions, the traditional suona which doesn't have keys and is super high pitched and loud, 8 holes and can play around 2 octaves per key signature. Another type is the concert/orchestral modern suona with keys available most commonly alto, tenor and bass suona, has added keys and can play wider range of notes
