Oboe Playing Problems: Causes and Remedies

Flashcards summarizing causes and remedies for common oboe performance issues such as crow pitch, rushing air, and sound stopping.

Oboe Problem: High pitched crow with too few sounds (CAUSES)

• Embouchure is too tight, pinched. • Reed is too stiff, closed off.

Oboe Problem: High pitched crow with too few sounds (REMEDIES)

• Decrease pressure in embouchure, more relaxed. • Check thickness of reed, balance in cane.

Oboe Problem: Low pitched crow (CAUSES)

• Lack of support/horn angle too high. • Reed too soft.

Oboe Problem: Low pitched crow (REMEDIES)

• More support, faster air/reduce angle of oboe. • Change length and/or width of reed.

Oboe Problem: Rushing air (CAUSES)

• Embouchure too loose. • Lack of support.

Oboe Problem: Rushing air (REMEDIES)

• Firmer lips, corners. Roll lower lip in slightly. • More support, faster air.

Oboe Problem: Stopped, no sound (CAUSES)

• Pinching or biting reed. • Reed too soft.

Oboe Problem: Stopped, no sound (REMEDIES)

• More "oh," separate teeth, less reed in mouth. • Change length and/or width of reed.