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...

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...

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...

...something that many musicians don’t think twice about, but an essential step in maintaining your instrument. Did you know that there...

…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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

It’s the Summer Semester here at the Gessner Oboe Studio! My students and I have been getting back into normal practice routines,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

It's another short one this week! Here are your Top 4 reasons that oboists play flat: Air is too slow/warm/pointing downwards - Speed the...

It’s recital week here in the Gessner Oboe Studio. About half of my students are going to perform solo pieces this Sunday at our studio...

Too much mouth pressure - Move the teeth a little bit further apart to release pressure on the reed. Too much reed in the mouth - Play...

After taking last week off (I miraculously managed to check my email only once a day!), I'm feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the...

When I ended last week’s blog with “I’m not sure how I’m going to use this new information to teach vibrato”, I didn’t expect to have a...

I got some really interesting feedback on my vibrato newsletter/blog two weeks ago! In the process of fielding comments on Instagram and...