Hello, fellow oboists! My name is Erin Brophey, and I'm the principal oboe player of the Saskatoon Symphony, a sessional lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan, and the director of a program called The Oboe Path. Today, I’m excited to share with you three essential tips to help you avoid anxiety about your oboe reeds.
Many oboists, whether students or seasoned performers, tend to imagine that professionals have cases full of perfect reeds. It’s easy to believe that these seemingly magical reeds are the secret to a beautiful sound. But today, I want to dispel that myth. The truth is, even as a professional oboist with over 20 years of experience, I don’t have cases full of amazing reeds. Like you, I’m always on the hunt for that one good reed, and that’s all I really need at any given moment. I’m here to share how you can adopt this approach and alleviate some of the stress that comes with reed making and selection.
Why I'm Sharing This with You
My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in my own experience with the oboe. Growing up in a remote part of Northern Ontario, Canada, I was surrounded by breathtaking landscapes—think trees, rocks, and crystal-clear lakes, much like the paintings of the Group of Seven. It was an idyllic childhood, but when I decided to learn the oboe, I quickly realized how challenging it could be. I fell in love with the instrument, but my playing didn’t sound like the recordings I admired. Without access to quality reeds, a proper instrument, or good information, I struggled immensely. There were many moments when I felt like giving up.
Now that I have the knowledge and experience I once lacked, I’m committed to sharing it with others to help them avoid the struggles I faced. The oboe is challenging enough as it is, so I want to make your journey a little easier by providing you with the tools and tips you need to succeed.
This is also why I created The Oboe Path, an online education program designed to help oboists play with joy and ease. Through group masterclasses, personalized plans, and focused one-on-one feedback, my program helps students stay motivated, practice efficiently, and see immediate results.
Tip 1: Have Many Options in Your Reed Case
One of the best ways to reduce anxiety about your reeds is to have multiple options in your reed case. Instead of just two or three reeds, aim for ten. Yes, there’s an investment involved, but it’s well worth it. Reeds are affected by various factors like temperature, altitude, air pressure, and acoustics. A reed that sounds great in your living room might not sound the same in a concert hall. By having multiple reeds to choose from, you can find the one that works best for the specific conditions you’re playing in.
For example, the reed you select at home may not be the one you end up using at the concert hall. The reed that worked perfectly during a morning dress rehearsal might not be the right choice for an evening performance. Having a variety of reeds gives you the flexibility to adjust to these changes, bringing you comfort and reducing anxiety.
Tip 2: Have a Consistent Method for Choosing Your Reeds
Consistency is key when it comes to selecting your reeds. Develop a method that you use both at home and in the concert hall to choose the best reed for the environment you’re playing in. I use the same process whether I’m practicing or performing. During practice, I may not choose my best reed, reserving those for public performances. Reeds that aren’t quite concert-worthy due to pitch or sound color can still be valuable for practice.
By consistently evaluating your reeds, you can better distinguish between those that work well today and those that might work better another day. This consistent approach helps build confidence in your reed selection, reducing the anxiety that comes with last-minute decisions.
Tip 3: Shift Your Mindset
It’s all too easy to blame our reeds for the challenges we face in our playing. I’ve fallen into this trap many times myself. There’s a common belief that to be a great oboist, you must also be a great reed maker. While there’s some truth to that, it’s also important to be a flexible musician. Great reed makers adapt their instrument setup and embouchure to achieve a consistent sound, regardless of the reed.
This flexibility requires a mindset shift. Instead of viewing reeds as a limitation, see them as a tool to help you achieve your desired sound. This change in perspective can have a profound impact on your performance anxiety. By embracing the reed as an opportunity to learn and grow, you’ll become a more adaptable and confident oboist.
I hope these tips help you feel more at ease with your oboe reeds. Remember, the journey to becoming a great oboist is as much about mindset as it is about skill. By having multiple reed options, developing a consistent selection method, and shifting your mindset, you can play with greater confidence and joy.
Let’s all strive to become the oboists everyone wants to play with—playing with joy and ease. Take care!
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