learning oboe?

shortandsilly · Post by **shortandsilly** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 5:08 pm

hm..i am thinking about attempting to learn how to play the oboe..do you think it will be a hard transformation since it is so similiar to the flute yet so different?

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 6:04 pm

Really the only thing that is similar is some of the fingerings. I woyuld not suggest trying to learn oboe unless doubling is your long term goal. If you're doing it just because, my advice is don't. I picked up oboe my junior year in high school, and it screwed with my embouchure so much I haven't played it since. The muscles required for an oboe embouchure are very different, and require much greater strength and stamina than a flute embouchure. If you do decide to pick up oboe, be prepared to practice flute even more just to avoid moving backwards.

briolette · Post by **briolette** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 6:17 pm

I tried learning oboe and I have to agree with flutepic, it completely screws up your embouchure. In fact, I gave up that instrument with only 6 months of lesson. You've got the two extremes in terms of air resistance and frankly it is not an easy transition.

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 10:22 am

Interested in the bassoon at all? Its embouchure is rather compatible with flute, as it's fairly loose and relaxed. I'll agree with the others that the vice-grip oboe embouchure is completely opposite from that of the flute, and this is much harder to adapt than a bunch of new fingerings.

cflutist · Post by **cflutist** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 12:18 pm

MeLizzard wrote:Interested in the bassoon at all? Its embouchure is rather compatible with flute, as it's fairly loose and relaxed. I'll agree with the others that the vice-grip oboe embouchure is completely opposite from that of the flute, and this is much harder to adapt than a bunch of new fingerings.

I played bassoon for two years and found that it messed up my flute embouchure.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 3:48 pm

Hmmm.... I actually considered picking up oboe as a doubler at one point in time..... I am glad that I didnt now....

I knew it would alter my embouchure a little bit, but I didnt think that it would affect it that badly!

shortandsilly · Post by **shortandsilly** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 5:43 pm

hey thnks guys, I would hate to mess my embouchure up. So I should try the bassoon maybe? what other instruments are good options? thnks again

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 6:09 pm

Saxes may be a good option, but you also have choices like percussion, strings, etc. That pose no threat to your flute playing.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 6:21 pm

Yeah, I would keep in mind all of the other sorts of instruments out there. Strings are a good option because they dont affect the embouchure at all. They do affect the fingers slightly, but shouldn't cause a problem. In addition to flute/ piccolo, I am also a harpist [because I too couldnt resist learning another instrument].

drumajorchick · Post by **drumajorchick** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 1:26 pm

Like as flutepicc said, I would advise you to pick up the sax if you want to do any wind instrument beside the flute family. It is easy, as well as compatable. The fingerings are very simular, too. It is an instrument that can be learned in a week if you wanted to go that route. I had to learn the tenor sax for our high school jazz band in three days. I never knew how easy it was. It never messed my embouchure either. Not only that, sax is a very fun instrument, too.

shortandsilly · Post by **shortandsilly** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 9:47 pm

drumajorchick wrote:Like as flutepicc said, I would advise you to pick up the sax if you want to do any wind instrument beside the flute family. It is easy, as well as compatable. The fingerings are very simular, too. It is an instrument that can be learned in a week if you wanted to go that route. I had to learn the tenor sax for our high school jazz band in three days. I never knew how easy it was. It never messed my embouchure either. Not only that, sax is a very fun instrument, too.

thnks. i will be sure to try it..i have always wanted to play sax..lol or any other instrument....

and thnk you everyone else for your suggestions/advice...i would be lost with out you all

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:35 am

then grab a decent sax and get crackin..

seriously, one cautionary note would be that until you are used to
playing both of them, do your saxophone practice last.

That will minimize embouchure issues during practice.

mark