Tonguing (Articulation) on the Oboe

[@ArlenKnott]

I truly appreciate the way you break things down and then offer ideas for practice. I have watched three of your videos and learned a considerable amount, and have watched each multiple times. Excellent teaching skills

[@IanWisekal]

Thank you for your kind words - very glad to hear that the videos are helpful!

[@RooftopAsians]

it helps alot

[@louismartinez8809]

Thank you so much for these videos. They have helped me so much

[@IanWisekal]

I'm so glad you've found them helpful!

[@Michael-ig8ih]

I’m curious to know more about ending notes with your embouchure. I feel like I’m using my air stream to end a note, or maybe a combination of both.

[@IanWisekal]

Hi Michael, great question! There are lots of ways to end notes, but using the face primarily helps to taper the sound and keep the pitch intact. Of course you'll probably slow your air a bit, too. It's just good to avoid using the tongue to end most notes, since it's not very subtle!

[@Michael-ig8ih]

@@IanWisekal Thanks! I appreciate that you cover more than the attack. So many videos focus solely on that. I’m probably overthinking it, but I’ll pay more attention moving forward.

[@musicman1eanda]

What syllables do you recommend using to help students move their tongue in the right way? Tu? Tee? Tah?

[@IanWisekal]

Great question! I usually approach voicing (the "vowel shape" in the mouth) as a separate issue, but I would say "tee" or "tu" is best, since that will set students up to have a focused airstream.

[@musicman1eanda]

@IanWisekal Any reed recommendations for a 4th/5th grade beginner? Strength, type, company? I took 2 oboe classes in college as a music ed major, but that was about 11 years ago... My district got its first set of oboes this year for students.

[@IanWisekal]

@@musicman1eanda That's exciting about the new instruments! I recommend trying out some of the options from the Bocal Majority Store; they're all handmade reeds, and I've had beginners do quite well with them. Once you find the "type" that seems to work best, stick with that maker. Best of luck this year!