Hello, hello, hello, and welcome! Today, I’m thrilled to share three essential tips for keeping your oboe in peak condition. If you’ve ever faced the frustration of an oboe breaking down, know that you’re not alone. Every oboe player encounters these challenges. It’s not a matter of luck or mechanical skill—oboes are delicate instruments that require regular care and maintenance.
I’m Erin Brophey, Principal Oboist of the Saskatoon Symphony and a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. I’m here to help you avoid the struggles I faced when I first started playing the oboe.
Growing up in a remote part of Northern Ontario, surrounded by rocks, trees, and crystal-clear lakes, was enchanting. However, living far from resources made it challenging to find good information, a functioning instrument, or quality reeds. I struggled with my oboe and almost gave up, not realizing how crucial a well-maintained instrument was for improvement.
That’s why I’m doing this—to ensure you don’t face the same difficulties. With the vast resources available online today, good information is within reach, and I want to share it with you. I’ve also created a unique online oboe programme called The Oboe Path, which combines group masterclasses, personalized feedback, and customized plans to help you play with joy and ease.
Let’s dive into the three tips for keeping your oboe in top shape:
Tip 1: Play Your Oboe Regularly
This might be my favorite tip. If your oboe has been sitting unused for an extended period, problems can arise, such as pads failing to seal properly or rust accumulating on the keywork. Even if your oboe appears fine on the outside, internal issues can develop. Playing your oboe daily helps keep it in working order and prevents such problems.
Tip 2: Get Your Oboe Serviced
If your oboe has been idle for a while, it’s a good idea to take it to a repair person for a tune-up. Just like a car needs maintenance after sitting for a few months, your oboe needs care to stay functional. If your local technician isn’t an oboe specialist, they might not fully understand the nuances of the instrument. I recommend finding a repair person who specializes in oboes. It might be worth mailing your oboe to them for repairs, even if it feels daunting. Use tracking and insurance to ensure your instrument’s safety during transit.
Tip 3: Schedule Annual Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your oboe in excellent condition. Ideally, have your oboe checked by a repair person at least once a year. Plan this before the start of your school year, symphony season, or community band season. If you have two oboes, consider sending them one at a time for repairs. Keep a record of maintenance dates in your oboe case to stay on top of scheduling.
I hope these tips help you keep your oboe playing beautifully. Thank you for joining me today.
Take care, and I look forward to connecting with you soon!
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