sax---->oboe?

Question

im 16 and play alto sax in the high school band. ive played piano for 7 years and sax for 5. i was thinking about switching to oboe cuz it seems like a very interesting instrument with a unique sound. i tried bassoon the other day but found it was kinda hard with all the fingerings. but i didnt seem to have any trouble produced a decent sound on the double reed. i was wondering if oboe was similar to sax or bassoon in any ways and if it would be somewhat easy for me to switch over....

oh yeah i forgot to say i tried clarinet for a couple of weeks last summer but didnt keep up with it cuz our band had no need for another clarinetist. i found it a little difficult at first covering the holes but after a while i got used to it.

Answer 1

James,

The hardest thing to get used to if you switched to oboe would be the embochure. It is a lot different than sax. It might take some getting used to but it is possible if you are willing to work hard.

The oboe requires great patience. When I first started, I broke a lot of reeds. If you decide to switch to oboe, you might want to think about putting aside some money for reeds. One oboe reed cost anywhere from $7-$10.

Another thing you might want to think about getting is a private instructor. Often oboes are required to get an instructor because it is a difficult instrument and a lot of band directors know nothing about it. Private lessons aren't too terribly expensive and can be very beneficial.

Fingerings for oboe aren't that hard either. They are most similar to the fingerings of a flute. Find a good fingering chart and just focus on learning how to finger all the notes before you start playing.


Besides all that, oboe shouldn't be TOO hard to switch to especially since you have already been playing an instrument and can read music. I myself have had to switch to clarinet for marching band since oboes don't march. Seeing as you also play sax, you won't have to worry about playing the oboe for marching band (if you are involved in it).

Also, if you are a good player, you can get full scholorships for college.

Good luck with band and good luck with oboe if you decide to switch to it!

Answer 2

To oboe, or not to oboe. Some things to consider: how many oboe players in an orchestra? Or, in your high school band? Not too many. How many oboes in a rock, jazz, or other modern band? Not too many. Yeah, it is an interesting instrument, but you can do so much more with the sax. Maybe you could try a tenor sax next? Oboes, as interesting as they may be, don't allow for much of a future as a source of income. With the sax, there are no limits.

Steve, trumpet, guitar, keyboard player.

Answer 3

Oboe is damn hard, the fingerings are similar, but learning the embouchure and how to breath will be key.

Answer 4

no its definitely not.
its more similar to a clarinet, but if you already play a reeded instrument, it wont be very difficult to make the adjustment to fingerings.

good luck and happeh learning.

Answer 5

have fun learning this....i think going from a very, very easy wind instrument to the hardest one is going to be a challange and that you should go for it....just dont expect it to come easy b/c u play alto....