top of page



Dec 1, 20232 min read
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...
4 views


Nov 16, 20232 min read
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...
30 views


Nov 9, 20233 min read
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...
14 views


Nov 2, 20233 min read
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...
10 views


Oct 19, 20233 min read
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...
29 views


Oct 11, 20232 min read
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...
16 views


Oct 5, 20232 min read
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...
84 views


Sep 28, 20231 min read
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...
10 views


Sep 21, 20232 min read
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...
81 views


Sep 14, 20233 min read
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...
19 views


Sep 7, 20233 min read
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...
38 views


Aug 31, 20233 min read
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...
11 views


Aug 24, 20232 min read
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...
3 views


Aug 3, 20233 min read
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...
45 views


Jul 20, 20231 min read
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...
112 views


Jul 6, 20232 min read
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,...
8 views

Jun 22, 20232 min read
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...
32 views


Jun 8, 20233 min read
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...
25 views
May 25, 20234 min read
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...
6 views
May 18, 20231 min read
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...
3 views
bottom of page