Would it be hard to switch from alto saxophone to oboe? I am very interested in the instrument, and i thought it would be a cool idea. I have been playing alto saxophone for about 6 years and flute for about 3.
And if i do switch, how long does it take to sound, well at least decent with it?
2007-09-22 15:17:15 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music ➔ Other - Music
If you really want to switch to the oboe, you should! But be warned, there is a reason there are so few oboist out there. The oboe is the most difficult instrument to learn to play, primarily because of those oh-so-not-fun double reeds. However, they are also what makes the oboe sound so beautiful.
How long it will take you to sound decent will depend on your current music ability and how much you practice. Your nine years of music experience should help alot. Especially the sax experience, since the fingerings between the two instruments are almost identical. Good reeds are also needed for sounding decent, so find a good teacher! A teacher can make and correct reeds for you, as learning to make reeds for yourself can take years, and most store bought reeds, which are made by machines, are usually just very expensive junk. I played the flute for 10 years until I switched to the oboe. The semester I switched, I was the only oboist in my (very small) college orchestra, and so got to play all those first oboe parts everyone hears. And I did fine. It took ALOT of practice and a very good oboe teacher, but in all, I managed to sound decent in 6 months.
2007-09-24 10:50:47 · answer #1 · answered by jdance 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, you sure are talented! If you have played the flute for 3 years then you won't really need to worry about following the music on an oboe, as it is similiar to a clarinet + flute. You won't probably have any trouble changing to the smaller reed on an oboe either,since you've been playing the alto sax. I think the hardest thing for you will be adjusting to the size of the oboe reed(skinny), the finger holes are much smaller, and the size of the instrument is obviously smaller and lighter. If you were willing to play alto sax for 6 yrs. and the flute for 3 yrs. then go for the oboe! You already have the hard stuff down (adjusting to the reed and reading the music). I would imagine within a year for you with your experience with the two other instruments to be sounding/playing half way decent. Really, I wouldn't be worrying about that at all...You are pretty amazing....imagine being able to play 3 instruments! Wow! I play flute and only dabbled at the oboe and occassionally dabble at the piccalo. Best of Luck to you!! Guard Dog
2007-09-22 15:26:47 · answer #2 · answered by guard dog 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the biggest difference between playing a single reed and a double reed is the breath support. you really have to have some power to play an oboe well.
buying your own oboe is a pretty hefty investment though, so you may want to borrow one and try one out first. do you know any oboe players who would let you have a go?
like anything, how long it takes to get good depends on your talent and your dedication. you've never tried it, so you don't know if you'll have a knack for it, but if you're sure you've got the gumption, try it out!
good luck!
2007-09-22 15:29:16 · answer #3 · answered by G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I was playing around with various musical instruments and, after the clarinet, asked about the oboe, I got to see the instrument store manager go through the roof. Because of the double reed on the oboe, playing one is supposed to be a lot harder than single reed and flat blown instruments. I get the impression that not many people have the energy to cross train on them.
2007-09-22 15:22:13 · answer #4 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
oboe is a very hard instrument to play. people in my band like to say "im about to have a brain anurism" double reeded instruments tend to make beginner players lightheaded. not to mention the obeo sounds like a duck until you get good. really, obeo is a personality thing. if your outgoing and willing to make a fool of yourself and have fun with it go for it. youll have fun with obeo. but if you dont like being teased about your playing i would advise against it.
2007-09-22 15:21:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your already playing a reed, it will be different, go for it!! Sounds like you have the talent and desire,, Ever think about going to horn? I say try them all, it's nice to be able to pick up an instrument and just play it!!
2007-09-22 15:22:54 · answer #6 · answered by joyfulone 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an oboe is actually pretty easy to handle, all u do is blow into it. well all i can think of is the mouthpiece
2007-09-22 15:19:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sophisticated task. seek with google or bing. that will can assist!
2015-03-24 17:28:31 · answer #8 · answered by dwight 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not sure.. why don't you ask a music teacher? or you could google it..
2007-09-22 15:20:12 · answer #9 · answered by <3 Chapstick. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋