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Some Notes on the Oboe

The Embouchure

As with any instrument, your journey with the oboe begins with the formation of a supple and
comfortable embouchure.

The keywords here are “ supple and comfortable” because as oboe players we can’t have an
embouchure that is stiff and unnatural. The sound produced will be strained and we will feel
tired very soon.

The formation of the embouchure might differ between people as its dependent on the
individual’s dental structure and facial structure. The following are general guidelines which will
help you along the way.

- Lips

Your Lips have to be folded over your teeth (tucked into your mouth) such that when you
play you are unable to see the pink of the lips.

This step is particularly important.

However your teeth or face is shaped, you should try as much as possible to accomplish
this step. Failing which, sound and intonation will be compromised.

Take care not to overdo it as well – remember the key is to feel comfortable.

While for some of you keeping your upper lip in as you play will take practice, THE
LOWER LIP MUST NEVER BE ALLOWED TO SLIP.

Your lower lip is like the table on which everything rests, if that goes, everything goes.

- Lips 2

Pursing your lips is just the first step


Next we need to apply pressures around your mouth in order to correctly form your
embouchure.

Consider the following


Arrows

The vertical arrows


Represent the force
You use with your jaws
Eg : Biting

The horizontal arrows from the sides represent how the corners of your mouth should be
moving.

The concept is easy.

The vertical pressures control your intonation ie the openness of your reed. And the
pressures from the sides control your sound.

If you bite too much you will be very sharp and most likely air will not be able to pass
through your reed.
Conversely, if your jaw is too slack you will be flat and you will have little control over
your reed and sound.

The right amount of pressure from the top and bottom will allow you to be in tune and
allow you to control the air flow into your reed. Work with a tuner or a piano.

The forces from the side can be utilized best when you say “ ooo” as you play. This is to
ensure roundness in the embouchure. If you want a round sound then your embouchure
has to be round too.

- Space in the mouth

By now you should be able to form a decent embouchure, if you have followed every
step.
As you play, remember to keep an open space inside your mouth. The easiest way will be
to imagine that you have an egg inside your mouth while you play.

While it might seem strange and uncomfortable in the beginning, it is a very important
evolution for your embouchure.

a) It ensures a rounder sound


b) It relieves pressure from your lips
c) Creating space like that in your mouth as you play helps with air flow and intonation

These are the 3 steps necessary for a good embouchure and ease in playing. Be sure
to accomplish all of these IN COMFORT. If you encounter discomfort while you
play, find another way around it.

Prepared by Audi GOH

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