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.