The oboe is meant for the strange, fun person who simply cannot be like everyone else. However, this person really likes where they are in life and wants to make people happy. If you are similar or exactly like this, oboe is for you!
Step 1: Get Your Hands On One!
Okay, you need an oboe to learn how to play one! Selner brand is great, as well as Yamaha or Fox. Be sure to rent before buying, just in case you hate it!
Step 2: Get A Reed Or Two
The reed is the most important part! Without that, the oboe is useless. An oboe reed is a double reed (like two clarinet reeds stuck together). Start by buying a 'soft' reed. This is the easiest to play. Go to the closest music store and they will help you find the best reed.
Step 3: Putting It Together
So you should have 3 parts: the top half, bottom half, and bell. I like to start by connecting the top to bottom half. The key is to push and twist at the same time. Line up the two key things on the side so that the top half of the key is on top of the bottom half. When you push the first key on the bottom half, it should push these keys. If you bought a stusent oboe, just twist the bell on.
Step 4: Soak Up The Reed
To wet the reed just fill a cup with one to two inches of water and put the reed in reed-side down. Leave it there to soak up the water for at least three minutes before taking it out. Put the reed in your mouth and breath INWARD to get any excess water out.
Step 5: Putting The Reed In The Oboe
It is a bit straightforward, but twist and push! Make sure it is all the way in and the reed looks horizontal.
Step 6: Hand Postisions And BAG
What is that? B, A, and G are the three easiest notes to play on the oboe. To hold the oboe, place your right thumb on the bottom half, right below the metal thumb - holder (for lack of a better term). Place the left thumb right below the upper half metal key on the back of the oboe. To play B, place your left index finger on the first key on the upper half, and blow. A is two fingers, G is third.
Step 7: Congrats!
You now know the most basic noted to playing the oboe. Now if you think you can, you ca play a song! HOT CROSS BUNS! It goes: B A G, B A G, GGGGAAAA B A G (think of a space as a quarter note, a comma as a half note, and no space as eighth notes)
 | If you really like the oboe, consider getting a private teacher to make you great! This may be expensive, but it's worth it! |
 | NEVER MARCH WITH AN OBOE! You will injure not only the oboe but you could permanently paralyze yourself (it is a long story but it has happened!) If your band director (if you are still in school) asks you to march with it, say absolutely not because half the time band directors have no clue what they are doing! |
 | This is proven! IF YOU ARE A GUY WOMEN LOVE OBOE PLAYERS! My best friend plays it and women are all over him! If you are a girl guys are impressed by your skills and men LOVE educated women! |
