HAND POSITION

RIGHT HAND:
In holding the oboe, the right thumb should be under the thumb
rest located on the back of the instrument on the middle joint. The
thumb plays an important role in stabilizing the oboe and bearing
most of the instruments weight. The right hand fingers should be
over each of three main keys on the lower joint with the pinky over
the ( C,D,Eb ) keys.
LEFT HAND:
The left thumb should be positioned beneath the octave key
found on the back of the upper joint. The left fingers should be over
the three main keys on the upper joint with the pinky over the (Ab,Eb)
keys located on the side.

POSTURE
Regardless of weather you are sitting, or standing the angle of
the instrument should be the same. The oboe should be between
thirty to forty-five degrees from the body. The wrist should be straight
and the upper arms resting comfortably at the sides. In the sitting
position the feet should be flat on the floor. Be sure to sit on the edge
of the seat with your back straight. Please never rest the bell of the
instrument on your knee. The standing position only differs from
sitting in the distribution of the body weight. I suggest that you
experiment with the placement of your feet to find what is most
comfortable for you.