Hello, fellow oboists! If you’ve ever wondered how to get the most out of your oboe reeds, you’re in the right place. Welcome to “Three Tips for Managing Your Oboe Reeds.” My name is Erin Brophey, and I’m the principal oboe player of the Saskatoon Symphony and a sessional lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. Today, I’m excited to share some valuable insights that can help you enhance your sound and extend the life of your reeds.
The Common Misconception About Oboe Reeds
Many oboists believe they can save money by buying fewer reeds and making them last as long as possible. While this approach might seem cost-effective, it could actually limit your potential. When you have fewer reeds in your case, you may not be sounding as good as you could be. The truth is, having more options when it comes to reeds can significantly impact your performance quality.
Why I’m Passionate About This Topic
Let me take a moment to explain why I’m so passionate about sharing this information. Growing up in a remote part of Northern Ontario, Canada, I faced many challenges as an aspiring oboist. The beautiful landscape of my hometown was matched by the difficulty of learning the oboe with limited resources. I didn’t have access to reliable information, a properly functioning instrument, or well-made reeds. These challenges made my early oboe journey frustrating and difficult.
After more than 20 years of teaching and performing, I’ve realised that the struggle I experienced didn’t have to be so challenging. That’s why I’m committed to helping other oboists avoid the same pitfalls. I’ve created a program called “The Oboe Path,” an online oboe education platform that offers group masterclasses, personalised feedback, and customised practice plans. My goal is to help oboists play with joy and ease, without the frustration that can come from struggling with reeds and other challenges.
Tip 1: Have Options
One of the most important things you can do for your oboe playing is to have multiple reeds at your disposal. Don’t limit yourself to just three reeds at a time. Reeds are incredibly sensitive to changes in temperature, altitude, barometric pressure, and acoustics. A reed that sounds great in one environment might not perform as well in another. By having a variety of reeds that feel and sound slightly different from each other, you’ll increase your chances of producing a sound you’re happy with, no matter where you’re playing.
Tip 2: Prepare Your Reeds Properly
Proper reed preparation is key to getting the best performance out of your reeds and extending their lifespan. I recommend using a soaking vessel—something as simple as a pill bottle filled with water works well. Soak your reed up to the thread, but avoid getting the cork wet. It’s important to regularly clean and change the water in your soaking vessel to keep your reeds in optimal condition.
Be mindful of how much you soak your reed in your mouth, as saliva contains enzymes that break down organic material, including your reed. Soaking your reed in clean water instead will help it last longer. The amount of time you soak your reed depends on your environment. In dry climates like Saskatchewan, where I live, I soak my reeds for 6-8 minutes before performing. In more humid areas, 2-3 minutes may be sufficient. Keep in mind that older reeds might require a longer soaking time.
Tip 3: Rotate Your Reeds
It’s easy to fall into the trap of playing your favorite reed to death, using it for everything until it wears out. But this isn’t the best approach. Instead, make it a habit to rotate your reeds. Even if you have a reed you don’t like as much, it can still be useful for practice sessions or scales, saving your best reeds for performances. Each reed has its own role—some are great for concerts, others for rehearsals, and some just for practice. By rotating your reeds, you’ll ensure that your best reed lasts longer.
I hope you’ve found these tips helpful as you navigate the world of oboe reeds. Managing your reeds properly can make a significant difference in your sound and your overall playing experience.
Let’s all strive to become the oboists that everyone wants to play with—those who play the oboe with joy and ease. Take care, and happy practicing!
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