Hello, hello, and welcome! Thank you for joining me today for Four Tips to Invite Joy into Your Oboe Playing. You might think that the inherent challenges of the oboe make it hard to enjoy playing it as much as other instruments. Perhaps it's the difficulty that drew you to the oboe in the first place. I understand that sentiment—what attracted me to the oboe was precisely how challenging it was.
However, you may have experienced some nervousness or anxiety in your oboe playing, especially when performing in public or with ensembles. Today’s blog is designed to help you approach the oboe a little differently and invite more joy into your playing.
I’m Erin Brophey, Principal Oboe of the Saskatoon Symphony and a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. Thank you for joining me today.
Why am I sharing these tips? It relates to how I started with the oboe. Growing up in a remote part of Northern Ontario, Canada, surrounded by forests and crystal-clear lakes, was idyllic. However, when I began playing the oboe, I faced significant challenges. Without access to a functional instrument, quality reeds, or knowledgeable guidance, I struggled. Despite the support from local musicians and music teachers, I often felt disconnected from the sound I desired. There were moments I nearly gave up.
Fast forward 25 years, and I’m now performing and teaching professionally. I’m grateful for my oboe career and passionate about helping others avoid the struggles I faced. That’s why I created The Oboe Path—a six-month program that includes group online masterclasses, personalized feedback, and a customized plan to help oboists play with joy and ease. The program offers a community of like-minded players, personalized feedback for each practice session, and a plan that fits into busy lives. I love The Oboe Path, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Now, let’s dive into the four tips to invite more joy into your oboe playing.
Tip 1: Shift Your Mindset
Consider how you approach the oboe. Are you focused on its difficulty or are you allowing yourself to enjoy it? Many professional oboists find that the instrument becomes easier once you grasp a few key concepts. I remember thinking, “If it’s so simple, why can’t I do it?” Shifting your mindset to find simple solutions to your challenges can make playing the oboe feel more enjoyable and less frustrating.
Tip 2: Think of Your Reeds as Teachers
Each reed in your box is an opportunity for growth. Instead of viewing reeds as “good” or “bad,” see each one as a teacher. Some reeds may encourage you to blow more, while others might challenge your articulation and embouchure. Rather than searching for the perfect reed, which doesn’t exist, embrace each one as a chance to learn and improve. This mindset can make your playing experience more joyful and less focused on control.
Tip 3: Remember Your Why
Every time you pick up your oboe, remind yourself why you play. What drew you to the oboe? Recalling the solo that captivated you or the sound that moves you can reignite your passion. Your “why” might evolve over time, and that’s perfectly okay. Reflecting on it helps you navigate the highs and lows of playing. Whether it’s serving your community, playing with friends, or making music that touches others, keeping your “why” in mind can help you find joy in your practice.
Tip 4: Practice Efficiently
Like many oboists, I juggle performances, teaching, family, and community responsibilities. I love practicing, but efficient practice is even better. Making the most of a limited practice time helps me feel accomplished. The idea that professional oboists practice four hours a day is a misconception. Efficient practice helps you improve and enjoy the process. Reflecting on my own practice, I realise there were hours spent ineffectively. If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to practice more efficiently. Let's strive to be the oboists we aspire to be—playing with joy and ease.
I hope you found these tips helpful and that they bring more joy into your oboe playing. Thank you for joining me today. Let’s all strive to play with the joy and ease we were meant to experience.
Take care!
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