Hello, and welcome to “Three Tips to Improve Your Dynamics on the Oboe.” You might be thinking, “I just need a great reed to enhance my dynamics,” and while a good reed does help, there are many fundamental techniques you can use to improve your dynamics that don't rely solely on the reed. This is fantastic news because, as we all know, oboe reeds are always changing and can vary significantly. Finding alternative ways to improve your playing gives you more control, and that's exactly what I’m here to help you with today.
I’m Erin Brophey, Principal Oboist with the Saskatoon Symphony and a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. I’m delighted you’ve joined me to explore these three tips for enhancing your dynamics on the oboe.
You might wonder why I’m offering these tips. It’s rooted in my personal journey with the oboe. Before I started playing the oboe, I had some musical training in piano and choir. I grew up in the beautiful, remote Northern Ontario, Canada, a wonderful place for piano and choir but challenging for oboe due to the lack of resources. The nearest professional oboe player was 462 kilometers away, and I struggled without access to a functioning instrument, good reeds, or helpful information.
Now, 25 years later, I’m fortunate to make a living playing the oboe and helping students navigate the challenges I once faced. This is why I’m offering these presentations—to help you avoid the struggles I encountered.
I also created a program called The Oboe Path, which includes a group online masterclass, personalized feedback, and a customized plan to help oboists play with joy and ease. This program fosters a community of like-minded players, provides clear practice goals, and offers tailored feedback to guide improvement. It’s a program I truly enjoy and believe in.
Let’s dive into the three tips for improving your dynamics on the oboe:
Tip 1: Breath Control
The first and fundamental tip is breath control. It may seem simple, but how you approach your breath has a profound impact on your playing. Effective breath and breath control significantly influence your dynamics. Focus on the quantity of air, the speed of air, and the support of air. While the oboe doesn’t require a large volume of air, it does need a good speed of air, supported from beneath the lungs and diaphragm. Imagine pushing the air out from below your lungs. Good support and air speed will greatly aid your dynamic range, so focus on improving this aspect in your practice.
Tip 2: Embouchure
The second tip involves your embouchure. Setting it up consciously is crucial. Over time, it’s easy to assume your embouchure is correct and forget about it, but it can change if you’re not mindful. Regularly check your embouchure in front of a mirror to ensure it’s working as intended. Make sure your chin is flat to prevent puffing that can inhibit reed flexibility. A flexible embouchure allows for adjustments to the reed and helps you achieve a wide range of dynamics.
Tip 3: Practice Dynamics Daily
The third tip is to practice dynamics every time you play. This can be challenging with certain reeds, but it’s essential to make it a habit. Long tone exercises are particularly useful. Long tones are not just about holding notes but about practicing dynamics. Aim for a beautiful piano, a strong forte, and a smooth diminuendo. This practice will help you maintain a broad dynamic range, even on more difficult reeds. Incorporate long tones into your daily practice to develop your dynamic range and enhance your musical expression.
I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s presentation on “Three Tips to Improve Your Dynamics on the Oboe.”
Let’s all strive to become the oboists we aspire to be, playing with joy and ease.
Take care and happy playing!
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