Does anyone out there have an Major or minor in oboe or any other wind interment?

Question

I was just wondering. I think that it would be fun to minor in oboe. I've been playing since 7th grade and I'm now a sophomore and I think that it would be interesting. What all does it involve (besides the obvious)? and what do you have to do to get there?

I would want to do oboe as a "minor" and Physical Therapy (or pta) as my major.

I already talked to my band director about it. (I’m only a sophomore) and what would be some other options, I know that I don't want to completely stop playing after I graduate, I love it to much to.

what would be my other options besides "moinoring" in it?

Answer 1

I don't know but I couldn't resist answering, I'm kind of in the same boat of you. I know... playing is way too much fun to completely stop and I love band so much and my band director always says he doesn't go to work, he has fun all day, so I want to be a band director. I played piano at three, learned clarient in sixth grade, then tenor sax in sixth grade, and have been playing bassoon for two months. Yes... I work actively at all of them! I'll check back because I'd be very interested to see what other people have to answer. I'd say the obvious - tons of practice is the biggest thing.

Answer 2

I'm getting my music degree playing the clarinet and I'll say this;

It's A LOT of work.

First of all, you'll probably have to audition to be accepted into the program. Depending on which school you are applying to, this can be a real challenge. Since you play the oboe though, and there aren't a whole lot of you around, that can make things a lot easier.

Once you're accepted, I'm not sure what exactly a minor in music requires (and it varies from school to school I'm sure), you'll have to for sure take private lessons (which involves a jury, and sometimes recitals. A jury is like a final exam for performing), probably play in an ensemble of some sort, and probably some basic music courses such as theory and history.

Fun, yes. But the problem with music is that the work really never ends. I've always envied other programs; once the homework is done, you're finished for the day. Really, when can you say that you've practised enough and you're done? Rarely, unless you're a superstar.

Also, you may be expected to make your own reeds, as an oboist at a university level. This is incredibly painful and extremely time consuming.

If you love music and playing the oboe enough for this commitment, go for it! Music is something that truly brings joy. However, if you're more so looking just to not stop playing, see if the school you're applying to has an ensemble for non-music majors. Lots of schools will have a secondary band, which is a lot more easygoing and fun than the primary band. This way, you can still play and perform, and have fun doing so.

Answer 3

Having a minor completely different from your major would mean you would have to carry a very large subject load each year.

You would have to complete all the courses necessary to get your PTA. In addition to that you would have to take many music courses such as private lessons, theory, history of music, etc. You might be expected to play a solo recital as a junior and as a senior.

Sometimes university music departments want you to play a single solo concert with others at least once a year. You would probably have an option to play with the band or orchestra.

In other words you would be very, very busy or take a few years more to complete the major and minor.

You could forget about listing this as a minor and just sign up for private lessons and band and orchestra.

Answer 4

You can always get a BA in oboe performance. That is what I am doing right now. I was a music education major for 3 years then switched this year to a BA in oboe performance and a BA in psychology. From my past experience let me tell you this, if you just like to play oboe for fun, then dont go to college for it. Don't minor in it, don't major in it, just play in your freetime. Join the concert band at whatevery college you go to.
It takes a certain kind of person to be a music major. Someone who has a very strong work ethic and doesnt mind spending all their time practicing. And being an oboe player you get the added load of reed making. You will learn how to make reeds and that will take up a LOT of time and energy. You also take classes that aren't directly related to oboe.
You will have to take 1-2 years of music theory, which can be incredibly hard at some universities, especially if you dont know very much going in. You will also have to take aural skills/sight singing and dictation. Meaning, you will learn to look at a piece of music and be able to see it. or someone will play something melodic or harmonic on the piano and you will have to write down what they play. It's hard!!! You will also probably have to take music history and other music electives.
Most people think being a music major is fun and easy, but its the complete opposite, its very hard and its very hard to get burnt out. The competition is usually pretty fierce too. The university I go to has a very good music program and an excellent oboe studio. So the competition is rough and its hard to get into the ensemble you want. It's very cut-throat. It's not like this at all universities, but the chances of it are rather high.
But if you are willing to work hard and dedicate yourself to it, then go for it. Some of the experiences are wonderful. After just your first year of being a music major and playing at a college level, you will see a huge improvement in your playing. But it takes a lot of hard work and dedication.
But good luck and hope things work out well for you!

Answer 5

If you like playing enough to spend some time practicing, DO IT. If you want to "minor" in oboe, you can make arrangements with the music department after you enroll. Almost any music department would welcome you if you are a competent musician. However, if you live close or visit the school, you don't have to wait. You can find out what the requirements are and start planning and audition. Part of the credits needed for your minor will double as free electives. Since you want to keep playing, don't let anyone talk you out of it. You would regret it.

Answer 6

A former student of mine has a double-major in Classical Guitar and computer science. He's quite busy, but loves it. If you've got the energy, and the school that you go to allows a minor instead of a double major, that might be a bit less work. Still, music performance is quite demanding as you already well know.

I have another friend though, who has no degree, and once played with the Boston Symphony. She played violin until a neck injury interfered.

In the end, getting a degree in something that you really love is alwasy worth it.

I especially love seeing double reed fans here. I sold my oboe some time ago, and one of my favorite music stores has one on display... I'm really thinking of making it disappear.

Answer 7

I agree with what one of the other people said. get into a band class that is just for fun but at your level. maybe even a community band. that is if you just don't want to stop playing.

but if you are really in love with the oboe and want to work really hard to make it then do it as a major or minor.

i am in college now and i didn't sign up for a band class. i play the oboe as my main instrument but i really miss. i thought about making it my major since i havne't picked one yet. but my friend who is majoring in music said that it was really hard. it is worth it if you love to play. but if you just do it for fun o on the side like me, to put in that much work is not worth it.

like i said before, it would be better to just keep playing it for yourself or for others. maybe take a few private lessons. but don't take it as a major or minor in college if you are not REALLY serious about it.

i hope this helps.

oboe truly is a wonderful instrument!!