8 Simple Strategies for Success as an Oboe Soloist
Written by Professor Kristy Meretta, Oboe
1. PLANNING AHEAD. My experience as a performer and teacher has convinced me that it takes two full months to prepare well for a solo performance with accompaniment. Ideas for music that might be a good match for you are listed following this letter for your convenience.
2. SELECT THE MUSIC that is right for you. My guidelines? It should appeal to you, should be a bit of a challenge, and show off YOUR STRENGTHS to best advantage. Some oboists love technique. Great! Go for it. Others prefer a beautiful melody, and the challenges of musical expression. Choose the piece you will enjoy mastering, which is far different from "getting most of it right".
3. HIRE A GOOD ACCOMPANIST! Turning to a trained pianist helps assure that your performance will go more smoothly. Ask your band director for suggestions or check the telephone directory under piano instruction. Plan now for at least TWO rehearsals before your scheduled solo date and get them on the calendar.
4. SET A LEARNING TIMELINE. For most pieces, you can master the notes and rhythms in two-three weeks. Be precise about rhythmic subdivisions. Use a metronome, but stay comfortably under tempo. Identify the "hard spots" and memorize them. Remember, the magic of making "music" can't happen until you know the notes.
5. SEEK HELP FROM A PROFESSIONAL. A teacher can give you a "second set of ears" to hear the intonation problems, regroup the notes to make more musical sense, help you with dynamics or the basics of good tone, and keep you on your deadline for total mastery (target date: TWO WEEKS ahead of your performance).
6. HAVE AT LEAST TWO GOOD REEDS. If your teacher makes your reeds (lucky you), ask if you can have a new reed one week before you perform, to get used to it. Be sure to TEST the pitch with a tuner (at school) as well as with the piano at your rehearsals. For help, contact your teacher BEFORE zero hour!
7. WARM UP EARLY the day of your solo. Allow for 15 minutes of playing and 15 minutes of "mental gymnastics" and a last reed check. Slip your reed briefly into some water and put it away so it remains moist. Then, blow out the excess, and GENTLY squeeze the blades together when you are ready to perform.
8. LOOK CONFIDENT even if you are a little scared. Think only about your music, hum the first note, take a good breath, set the pressure, and make sure your embouchure is relaxed enough to let the music begin. GOOD LUCK!
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