What’s on your pre-performance checklist?
This weekend begins the holiday season for me: I have my first concert of holiday music on Saturday with the Merced Symphony, and it...
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- Nov 16
- 2 min
Have I over-soaked my reed?
This edition is dedicated to the Redwood Middle School beginning oboe students. Last week at our sectional, I did some reed adjusting for...
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- Nov 9
- 3 min
How does the season change affect oboe reeds?
Last week I described how an oboe might change due to the change of season. You may have also been wondering about how oboe reeds might...
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- Nov 2
- 3 min
Does the changing season affect the oboe?
Here in sunny California the temperatures are starting to drop. Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, there are a few things you will most...
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- Oct 19
- 3 min
When should you use harder reeds?
Now that we’re in mid-October, I’ve been evaluating my students’ reeds to make sure that they are playing reeds that are appropriately...
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- Oct 11
- 2 min
The top 3 articulation mistakes to avoid
I’ve been making the rounds in middle and high schools, and one of the common issues I’ve discussed lately is how to properly articulate...
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- Oct 5
- 2 min
How (and why) to sanitize oboe reeds
A few years ago there was a lot of interest in sanitizing reeds to make them safe for another person to play. Reedmakers came up with a...
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- Sep 28
- 1 min
How to use a pipe cleaner to open your reed
Last week I showed you how to use a pipe cleaner to clean your reed and this week it’s time to learn how to use a pipe cleaner to open...
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- Sep 21
- 2 min
How to clean oboe reeds…
Are your reeds a little old? Maybe you haven’t been brushing your teeth before you play? They could look a little discolored but play, or...
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- Sep 14
- 3 min
What's the deal with cork grease?
...something that many musicians don’t think twice about, but an essential step in maintaining your instrument. Did you know that there...
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- Sep 7
- 3 min
The #1 step that will make playing oboe easier is…
…soaking your reed for the right amount of time and in the right amount of water! Have you ever made the mistake of leaving your reed in...
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- Aug 31
- 3 min
3 Pro-tips for your next practice session
We’re all so busy these days (students, and parents, and teachers), so today I’ll be sharing my top 3 strategies to make practice...
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- Aug 24
- 2 min
Have you made your practice schedule?
It’s back-to-school season, and here at Oboe Auntie HQ that means I (and my students) are thinking about our practice schedules and...
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- Aug 3
- 3 min
4 Sound Experiments for Oboists
I had the privilege of working with a handful of oboe and bassoon students at La Honda Music Camp a few weeks ago, none of whom have...
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- Jul 20
- 1 min
Do you know how to use the half-hole on the oboe?
As we’re getting back to basics, I thought we should revisit the half-hole and what your students should and should NOT be doing with...
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- Jul 6
- 2 min
Bad tone? Check your posture!
It’s the Summer Semester here at the Gessner Oboe Studio! My students and I have been getting back into normal practice routines,...
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- Jun 22
- 2 min
My top 3 reasons NOT to use Jones/Emerald reeds
I’ve scheduled this to publish while I’m enjoying some R&R with friends and family in the Midwest. While I’m relaxing, let’s get into my...
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- Jun 8
- 3 min
The one thing that will help your new oboe students stick with oboe…
Happy Summer! In the Bay Area, most of the schools I serve have wrapped up their academic year, or are finishing this week. I’m currently...
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- May 25
- 4 min
Do your students practice before school starts?
As we start to count down the number of days left in the school year (9 days of instruction left for me!), I’ve started to bring up...
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- May 18
- 1 min
Have you celebrated your student’s wins?
This week I have been reviewing goals and celebrating student wins! I’m so proud of the hard work my students have put in all year, so I...
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