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Air/embouchure balance
One of my favorite topics to work on with student oboists is the concept of air/embouchure balance. We know that both the air we blow and...
Apr 25, 20242 min read
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What oboe reeds do I recommend?
It’s been a while since I last shared my list of reed recommendations with links, so I thought I would update you today. You’ll notice...
Mar 21, 20243 min read
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3 new ways to spice up your warm up
We know that our warm up time at the beginning of a practice session is super important because it reinforces fundamental skills of...
Feb 29, 20243 min read
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3 Quick ways to improve oboe tone
Oboists are always searching for that optimal tone with the least amount of effort, right?! Before I share the 3 quick ways to improve...
Feb 8, 20242 min read
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How to get rid of extra air
Last week I talked about the feeling of back pressure that comes with playing oboe. As we play, we can’t blow all our air through the...
Jan 26, 20243 min read
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Is there such a thing as too much air?
Today’s edition was inspired by a question I got from Newsletter subscriber Glen last week. Glen is a multi-woodwind musician, and says...
Jan 18, 20243 min read
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Do you keep a reed log?
I’m excited to have a guest writer on the blog/newsletter today, my friend Jeff Padgett. I met Jeff at the beginning of my Master’s...
Dec 7, 20233 min read
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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...
Dec 1, 20232 min read
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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...
Nov 16, 20232 min read
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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...
Nov 9, 20233 min read
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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...
Nov 2, 20233 min read
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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...
Oct 19, 20233 min read
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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...
Oct 11, 20232 min read
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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...
Oct 5, 20232 min read
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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...
Sep 28, 20231 min read
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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...
Sep 21, 20232 min read
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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...
Sep 14, 20233 min read
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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...
Sep 7, 20233 min read
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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...
Aug 31, 20233 min read
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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...
Aug 24, 20232 min read
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