Reply To: Need help for flat oboe player

[nafmeadmin]

My first question is how old is this oboe player, and how long has she been playing? How is her air support? I assume you have made sure she has a good airstream. I am really only double-checking, because a young oboist I am working with tends to play quite flat most of the time as well, but if I remind her to keep a solid, steady airstream, her pitch comes right back up to being in tune. I am not sure if this is also psychologically causing her to firm up the embouchure, or if simply using more air requires her to firm up her corners, so air doesn’t escape, but it really helps. Again, I assume you have kept on her about her air, but I just want to share my experience in case you may find it helpful. Also, if you did shave the read, how did it go? Did it help?