subject: Oboe Lessons - The Best Way to Learn [print this page] Copyright (c) 2010 Robert HinchliffeThese days it is possible to find almost any information you require on any topic via the Internet. There are many websites and downloads for people wanting to learn to play musical instruments too. So, just what sort of information can be gleaned from the Internet to help in learning the oboe and how useful is it? Can such resources ever replace face to face oboe lessons with a teacher?A major part of the teaching of instrumental music has always been by the use of demonstration. The teacher will play a passage for the student, showing them how it should sound and pointing out the essential techniques necessary. The teacher can answer questions posed by a student in the course of the oboe lessons and make constructive criticism of his or her work. No internet source or download can ever do this. There are videos around which go some of the way, but none of them can spot a pupil's problems and correct them!So are all video tutorials, downloads and Ebooks completely useless? No! There is a lot of very useful information available which will reinforce the work done with a teacher. There will always be slight differences of opinion and interpretation, (in music there always is) but, so long as the information doesn't conflict with what the teacher has said during the course of your oboe lessons, having another person's view on a particular issue can often be very constructive. However, if you have a teacher and something you have found contradicts what the teacher says, always go with your teacher. The close working relationship that will build with a teacher is very much part of the learning process.Some instruments are rather more suited to learning by means of an internet course. There are lots of good piano, keyboard and guitar lessons available. Wind and orchestral string instruments have aspects of technique which cannot ever be taught properly other than in a face to face situation. With the oboe we have such issues as breathing technique, tonguing and embouchure which, quite simply, have to be taught by a specialist who can observe, listen and make the small adjustments which are often necessary to master a particular issue.So, to summarise this article, when it comes to the matter of oboe lessons, nothing can ever replace face to face lessons with a teacher. However, there is plenty of information in one form or another available on the Internet which can complement the work done with a teacher. But do remember, - you have to go on working with your teacher, so, when there is a difference of opinion, your teacher is always right!
