We’ve just put the finishing touches on our new book, “Play It Right the First Time: The Oboist’s Guide to Becoming a Master Sightreader in Just 10 Minutes a Day.” In the book, I talk a lot about rhythm and pulse, and how very important that is to being a great sightreader. When it really comes down to it, having great rhythm and a rock solid (yet flexible) inner sense…
Last Sunday, my daughter Talula Skye was born. Here’s a little picture of the cutie. She came right on time and was born into a quiet corner of our home. My husband caught her in the water and we haven’t let her out of our hands since. It was a miraculous experience – one that I will always remember very, very, well. One of the most amazing things about having…
Yesterday I was listening to a recording of some organ music of all things (my husband plays the pipe organ) and I started thinking about all of the things that I really love about music and the oboe. I love playing with friends. I love the bond that happens between all of us as we create together. It’s hardly work. As I thought about each of the things that draw…
When my husband and I sat down the other month to discuss the future of MKL Reeds, we both had the feeling inside that something needed to change. You know when you just have that feeling inside you but you just can’t put your finger on it? As a musician, you are probably more in tune (no pun intended) with noticing that feeling than most people. Well, that’s where we…
Most of you know that, a few weeks ago, my family made a change and moved from the big city of Chicago to the little town of Batesville Indiana. The city of Chicago is beautiful, and Batesville is even more beautiful, in a different way. Right now, as the leaves are changing and the air is turning crisp, it is hard to ignore all of the inspiring things that are…
If you aren’t planning to learn reedmaking now or anytime in the near future, the best thing you can do is learn how to scrape the reeds that you do buy. To do that, you’ve got to know the parts of a reed. Here’s a very simple diagram that will make it clear if you are just starting out. Get the Oboe Reed Diagram Feel free to pass it on…
Each month, we pick one new Reed Report subscriber to win 2 free oboe reeds of their choice. September’s winner is Anne Sandham! Congratulations Anne! You’ve got 2 free oboe reeds coming your way, with our compliments. Welcome to the Reed Report! If you haven’t signed up for your free subscription to the Reed Report, you can do it by clicking the link below: Sign Me Up!
The dust is finally settling from the big launch of the Reedmaker’s Network. And as the haze begins to clear, I realize that I may have hopelessly confused you all. Let me apologize… In all of my excitement, I’m afraid I didn’t make things as clear as they should be. And I can’t really expect you to make a good decision about whether or not the Reedmakers Network is right…
The BIG day is finally here… and we’ve got an exciting announcement to make at MKL Reeds. Get the details now! http://www.mklreeds.com/reedmaking.htm
What is my number one piece of advice is for an oboist who is really interested in making more progress in less time? “Practice.” But over the years, I’ve realized that the word practice can mean a lot of different things, depending on who exactly you are talking to. There is good practicing and there is bad practicing. By bad practicing, I mean the kind where you put in the…