The Underwhelming Guides to Double Reed Education

The Underwhelming Guides to Double Reed Education

By NAfME Member Jessica A. Robinson

I have compiled a series of double reed education guides. They are not to be used as “all or nothing.” They are designed to use more “as it comes.”

  • Starting a new year and brushing up on how to begin double reeds? The beginner guides for teachers are a quick read to cover what best benefits double reed students.
  • The beginner guide for students is a fun print-out for students that reinforces and reminds them of these things.
  • Come state solo time there is a quick reference for students to pick pieces including and beyond beginning repertoire.
  • The resource section can be a quick handout when your student asks the dreaded “where can I get better reeds?” question or has an expanding curiosity of double reed materials, etc.
  • The “Fix It” and “Instrument Check” sections can be referenced when you’re between a rock and hard place.

These guides aim to address the most hard-hitting problems that come up even after a solid beginning education for double reed students. They also address beginning reminders. This is a visual reminder for busy educators who can appreciate help in remembering the little things.

This first blog post only contains one guide as a sample of my work. Please stay tuned for further publications!

Click here for printable guidelines.

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About the author:

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Originally from Indianapolis, Jessica Robinson (Advisor: Dr. Lisa Kozenko) is a versatile young oboe and English horn player. Her performances have included appearances with the Muncie Symphony, Anderson Symphony, Richmond County Orchestra, International Chamber Orchestra of America, and Vocal Productions NYC. She has been an Artist-in-Residence at New York City’s International House and has performed as both a chamber and orchestral musician in the Ameropa Chamber Music Festival in Prague, and IMANI Chamber Music Festival in New York City. Jessica has served as the double reed teacher and specialist at Pendleton Heights Middle School in Indiana, and at the Music for the Sake of Music Festival in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She has presented her research at the Butler Undergraduate Research Conference, Butler Summer Research Institute, and at the Music by Women Festival in Mississippi. Currently she teaches double reeds classes, maintains a private teaching studio, has a vibrant free-lancing schedule, and is serving as a performance graduate assistant at Ball State University.

Visit Jessica’s website at JessicaRobinsonOboe.com.

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