Oboe

Lessons you can take:

We offer oboe lessons through our small group/individual tuition scheme (school dependant).

When to start:

Many oboists start in secondary school, but if your hands are big enough there's no reason why you shouldn't start earlier.

Costs:

Hire:

We charge £26.90 per term, plus VAT where applicable. Find out more about hiring from us.

Buy:

From about £900 for a new 'student' quality outfit (oboe & case). Advanced students should be prepared to spend considerably more. Secondhand instruments are available but not always easy to find. Never buy second-hand without expert advice.

Other:

Reeds need replacing quite often - about £5. Otherwise very little - apart from occasional adjustments and pad replacement.

Pros/cons:

Pros:

Wide range of music written for the instrument. Opportunities to play in wind bands & orchestras where oboists are in short supply. Many beautiful solos for oboe in the orchestral repertoire.

Cons:

The hardest of the woodwind instruments to master. No opportunities in jazz or folk music. Summary: A wonderful instrument - very rewarding and well worth the effort - but you will need dedication and practice.

Find out more about the oboe from the BBC’s guide to the orchestra.

GM 'Get Playing' Video Series

How to assemble your oboe

Making your first sound

First three notes

First five notes