Thank you, David Ordway Photography, for capturing a few things I have worked on for decades: embouchure, breathing, and left hand position.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Sophie Woods, who will participate in CU Honor Band this weekend! Sophie has studied with me for a few years now, and is an extremely dedicated and self-motivated player. Enjoy yourself, Sophie!

Back to School!

In the spring, I had grand aspirations of posting weekly video posts to inspire students throughout the summer with some of my most basic teaching tips.  Unfortunately, I realized on the first try that my amateur videos both looked and sounded ridiculous.  So, I postponed until now and shall offer a few written tips to get some creativity and motivation flowing before school starts!

USE MORE AIR!
Order plenty of reeds NOW for the fall; most decent brands have long wait lists by the time Labor Day rolls around.
Practice ALL of your scales: Major, Minor (Natural, Harmonic, and Melodic), and Chromatic!
Review what you were working on at your last lesson, and check your notebook to see what was assigned for the summer.
Review any new fingerings you learned, especially for extended range/high register notes, and bring any questions to your first lesson.
Long tones and scales are the best way to get back in shape, improve, AND maintain the hard work you've done!
Check the balance between embouchure and air for anything that isn't working.
If it still isn't working, try playing it in a different octave and then in the intended octave.
PRACTICE WITH A METRONOME!

I look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Coaching for professionals

I found this article fascinating. I recommend it to all of my students, but also any professional colleagues who may happen across this post.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Lia Hankla for making 2012 Colorado All-State Concert Band!

UPDATE 4/15/12: Congratulations to Lia on making FIRST CHAIR at All-State Band this year!

Check out the credits - musicians always do their own stunts!

Back to School!

It is time to go back to school, so make sure you go back having the guidance you need with weekly private oboe lessons! Remember to register at Parlando School for the Arts in Boulder or the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts in Lafayette. Currently I am only teaching occasionally in Denver, but feel free to contact me if you are interested in that option. Lessons in Denver are perfect if you want some help on oboe, English horn or reeds without making a weekly commitment. You may call my cell phone at 303-910-2718 to inquire. Happy practicing!