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Writer's pictureErin Brophey

Playing Bubble-Free on the Oboe

Hello and welcome to our latest blog post on keeping your oboe bubble-free! If you've ever felt frustrated by water in your instrument, you're not alone. Many oboists see it as an unavoidable challenge that complicates their playing. But fear not! By the end of this blog, you’ll be equipped with essential tips to eliminate those pesky bubbles and enjoy a smoother playing experience.


I’m Erin Brophey, Principal Oboist with the Saskatoon Symphony and Sessional Lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. My passion for helping fellow oboists stems from my own journey with the instrument. Growing up in a remote area of Northern Ontario, Canada, I had limited access to quality resources. Despite being surrounded by natural beauty, my early days with the oboe were marked by a lack of good instruments, reliable reeds, and valuable guidance.


Once I finally gained access to better equipment and received excellent instruction, the oboe became a true vehicle for my musical expression. This transformation is why I'm dedicated to sharing my insights through these blog posts. Thanks to the internet, we now have a wealth of resources at our fingertips, and I’m committed to ensuring that you don’t face the same struggles I did.


Having spent over two decades performing, teaching, and mentoring oboists, I’ve witnessed many players progress rapidly. This led me to create the Oboe Path, a six-month online program designed to help oboists play with joy and ease. Through masterclasses, personalized practice plans, and one-on-one feedback, the program supports players in staying motivated and effectively integrating practice into their busy schedules.


Now, let’s explore five practical tips to help you play bubble-free on the oboe:


1. Use a Swab


Swabbing your oboe is your best defense against unwanted bubbles. Swabs come in various designs, but I recommend one with a string or tie at the end. This ensures that if the swab gets caught inside the instrument, you can easily retrieve it. Make swabbing a regular part of your routine, especially after each playing session. During long rehearsals or performances, swabbing during breaks can prevent water accumulation.


2. Use Cigarette Paper


When water ends up in a key, cigarette paper can be a lifesaver. Identify the problematic key and place a piece of cigarette paper underneath to absorb the moisture. Avoid paper with adhesive as it may create more issues. Modern alternatives like bamboo cigarette paper or microfiber sheets are also effective and less obtrusive during performances.


3. Blow the Water Out


If cigarette paper isn’t enough, try blowing the water out. Remove the bottom joint of the oboe, locate where the water is trapped, and blow across the hole like a flutist. Be cautious not to do this during quiet passages. If you need to be discreet, blow into the oboe while lifting the key to guide the water towards the paper.


4. Knock the Water Out


For stubborn water, especially in keys like the octave key, gently knock the oboe to help dislodge it. Hold the oboe loosely and tap it lightly against your hand, using gravity to your advantage. Avoid striking too hard to prevent damage to the delicate instrument.


5. Be Mindful of the Instrument’s Position


The way you hold and rest your oboe can affect water build-up. During breaks, angle the oboe so that any remaining moisture drains away from the keys. This simple adjustment can help prevent water from accumulating in the tone holes and causing issues when you start playing again.


I hope these tips help you keep your oboe bubble-free and make your playing experience more enjoyable. With the right techniques and tools, you can overcome the challenge of water in your oboe and focus on making beautiful music. Happy playing!






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