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Like any wind instrument, air is the power source. You plug an electric
saxophone into the wall to make it squawk, and hit a drum with a stick to bother
those around you. But with a wind instrument... it needs wind! Air! A lot of it!
Especially the oboe!
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bad example High | Low
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good example High | Low
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I have to admit, I am full of hot air, but I wasn't ready to try
to blow that hot air through the reed yet. My assistant told me about an exercise
that can help simulate the resistance of the oboe reed, without actually using the
reed! |
Basically, doing what my assistant described, and what I've outlined
below, will prepare you for blowing through the reed for the first time.
- Pretend like you're going to blow out a candle. Your lips should
be tight like you're saying 'ooooooo'... as in gooooooo.
- Now keep your lips like this!
- Count to eight while breathing in, and make sure
your stomach pokes out like a balloon.
- Hold your breath for four counts.
- Breathe out all your air in four counts, and make
sure your stomach moves back in.
- Your air should be cold and moving fast!
Did you air come out fast and through a small opening in your lips?
Yay! You're almost ready to make some noise!
back to reed | on to embouchure
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