Question: How can I improve my tone on the Oboe? I've been playing Oboe for like 3 months but I feel my tone is not as good as it should be...I also play clarinet and alto sax...if that helps...

Answer: Oboe is an instrument that takes a while to build up good tone. It isnt an instrument like clarinet or saxophone in which good tone tends to come quicker.  You just need patience! Keep practicing. Listen to recordings of other oboists and find things in their sound that you like and try to imitate them or keep their sound in mind while you practice. Some good people to listen to are Alex Klein, John Mack, Mark Weiger (he is my oboe teacher! has a couple cds out, VERY VERY GOOD) and Allen Vogel just to name a few!\nAlso, if you arent currently taking private lessons, look for an teacher! A good place to look is in the music department of a local college. Chances are there will be a couple oboe majors looking for students! Good luck and keep up the good work!\n\n**Edit**\nThe comment about sax and clarinet tone being easier is a fact. The first sound out of one of those instruments is a lot prettier than the first sounds out of an oboe. I have numerous years of experience on sax and clarinet so I know. In reference to dropping your jaw, it depends on how your embouchure is. That doesnt always work for everyone. Dropping your jaw will help if you have a very pinched sound or if your pitch is on the sharp side. Rounded out your embouchure will help give you a fuller sound if you bite too much. Other people's embouchures tend to be too loose though and causes the sound to be very thin and airy. Your best bet is to just get a private teacher and see what they say! It's hard to make embochure adjustments without seeing the player or hearing them.
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