Doubling flute and oboe...embousher help!?

Question

I'm an advanced flute player, and I would really like to double n oboe. My instructor says that it would mess up my embousher, but I still really want to play it. any help...please!

Answer 1

I know you feel. I'm a oboe music major who double on piccolo.

You need to put hours into both every day so you don't lose your flute sound. muscles are totally opposite and unless you are really going to be commited, I would not recommend oboe being the one you switch to. Especially if you have never played a reeded instrument, oboe reeds are close to 20 bucks and it's difficult to play correctly unless you play one thats granadilla wood.

Answer 2

Hello.

Your instructor is correct.   It will affect your embouchure in a negative way.   If you are not that serious about your flute studies and you have no competitions or auditions coming up,   it would be a very interesting experience for you.  Oboe is very difficult to play....  WELL.    And because of the embouchure needed for playing is so tight and straining,  you can only play/practice oboe for a few minutes a day... no more than 30 minutes if you can handle that.  My daughter played flute and oboe..... but she only played oboe in class.   She did have a hard time with it,  but she liked playing when she did play.   If you want to learn oboe....  do it.   You might find that you  like it better than flute.