If you've ever struggled with playing downward slurs on the oboe, you're not alone. It’s a common challenge that many oboists face at some point in their musical journey. You might have tried different techniques like moving your jaw, opening your throat, or blowing harder, only to find yourself frustrated with the results. But don’t worry—there are effective ways to master this technique, and I’m here to help.
I’m Erin Brophey, the principal oboe player of the Saskatoon Symphony and a sessional lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. My passion for teaching and sharing knowledge comes from my own experiences as a young oboist growing up in a remote part of Northern Ontario. Surrounded by sparkling blue lakes, towering evergreens, and the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield, I found my love for the oboe in my public music school.
However, my journey wasn’t without its difficulties. When I first heard a professional oboe recording, I quickly realized that my playing didn’t sound like that at all. The lack of access to proper resources—functioning reeds, a good instrument, and quality information—left me feeling frustrated and unsure of how to improve. There were many moments when I almost gave up.
Fast forward 30 years, and I’m now dedicated to teaching and helping others overcome the same obstacles I once faced. Looking back, I know that with the right guidance, my journey could have been much smoother. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing the incredible information I’ve learned from the pedagogues I’ve studied with, and making it accessible to oboists everywhere.
I’ve also created a program called The Oboe Path, designed to help oboists play with joy and ease. This program combines group online masterclasses, a customized personal app, and focused one-on-one feedback to help you achieve your musical goals. The supportive community in the masterclass keeps you motivated, the personalized plan fits into your busy life, and the targeted feedback ensures you know exactly what to work on in each practice session.
But for now, let’s dive into the three tips that will help you perform downward slurs with confidence and beauty.
Tip 1: Focus on the Corners of Your Mouth
When it comes to producing low notes and beautiful downward slurs, the corners of your mouth play a crucial role. Many oboists focus only on their top and bottom lips when thinking about their embouchure, but the muscles at the corners of your mouth are just as important. By engaging these muscles, you can slightly open the reed, making it easier for low notes to emerge. This small adjustment can make a big difference in the smoothness of your downward slurs.
Tip 2: Build Flexibility in Your Embouchure
Flexibility in your embouchure is key to playing across different ranges with ease. Rather than keeping your embouchure fixed, make subtle adjustments to accommodate the range you’re playing in. For high notes, try wrapping more of your lip around the reed. For low notes, roll your embouchure out slightly. By holding the shape of the lower notes even when playing upper notes, you can achieve smoother downward slurs.
Tip 3: Air Speed, Not Air Pressure
When playing downward slurs, it’s tempting to blow harder in an attempt to make the notes connect smoothly. However, this often leads to tension and a harsher sound. Instead, focus on increasing the speed of your air. Faster air, rather than more air, will help your notes transition seamlessly. Use your diaphragm to increase air velocity, allowing for cleaner and more beautiful downward slurs.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Joy of Playing
I hope these tips help you play more beautiful downward slurs on the oboe. Remember, improvement takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself as you work on these techniques.
Let’s all strive to become the oboists we’re meant to be—the ones everyone wants to play with. Play the oboe with joy and ease, and take care!
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