What is a Oboe?
The oboe is a beautifully rich and expressive instrument, known for its warm, singing tone. Its unique sound makes it stand out in orchestras, concert bands, and chamber music. Unlike flutes or clarinets, the oboe uses a double reed—two thin pieces of cane that vibrate together when air is blown through them, creating its signature tone.
You’ll hear the oboe everywhere—from classical symphonies and film scores to jazz and folk music. Learning the oboe develops breath control, focus, and precision, making it a rewarding challenge for musicians. Plus, it has a fascinating history, with versions of the oboe dating back hundreds of years!
Some famous oboists include Evelyn Rothwell, Heinz Holliger, John Mack, Albrecht Mayer, Nicholas Daniel, and Diana Doherty.
Renting an Oboe
Renting an oboe is a smart way to let your child explore music without making a big investment upfront. Oboes are delicate instruments that require proper maintenance, and a rental ensures your child has access to a high-quality, professionally maintained instrument while they learn.
We offer two rental options:
🎵 Like-New – A high-quality, professionally inspected oboe with minor cosmetic blemishes. Budget-friendly, with protection for damage, theft, and maintenance. Every payment up to 36 months, minus tax, goes toward purchasing a brand-new oboe of choice. (Rent-to-Purchase)
🎵 New – A never-used oboe with the same protection and the option to own it after paying it off. (Rent-to-Own)
Every student rental includes:
✔ Oboe, case, cleaning swab, and their first reed
✔ 4-month trial period
✔ Protection coverage (for accidents, theft, and maintenance)
✔ Free school delivery
✔ Easy purchase plans
✔ Legendary Brighton Music Center service!
With flexible plans and expert support, getting started has never been easier. Let’s make music happen! 🎶
Oboe Care & Maintenance
A well-maintained oboe plays better and lasts longer! Here are the must-have supplies every oboist should use:
✨ Cleaning Swab – Pull through after playing to remove moisture and keep the instrument in great condition.
✨ Oboe Reed Case – Keeps reeds safe and dry, preventing them from cracking or warping.
✨ Cork Grease – Helps the joints fit smoothly without damage.
✨ Reeds (Multiple!) – Oboe reeds are very fine and delicate, so having backups is essential.
✨ Proper Case – Always store the oboe in its case when not in use to protect it from damage.
Regular cleaning and careful handling will keep an oboe sounding great! Need supplies? We’ve got everything your oboist needs! 🎶
Types of Oboes
As your child progresses, they may need an oboe that matches their growing skills. Oboes come in three main levels, with key differences in materials and key systems:
🎵 Student Oboes – Designed for beginners, these are durable and often made of resin (plastic) instead of wood to prevent cracking. They typically have a simplified key system, sometimes without the full conservatory setup, making them easier to play while learning the basics.
🎵 Intermediate Oboes – A step up in quality, usually made from grenadilla wood for a richer, warmer tone. These oboes often have a modified conservatory key system, adding extra keys that expand range and flexibility while keeping things accessible for developing players.
🎵 Professional Oboes – Crafted from high-quality grenadilla or even exotic woods, these offer the best tone, projection, and precision. Most professional oboes have a full conservatory system, meaning they include additional keys for advanced fingerings, better intonation, and extended range. Some also have left-hand F and split D keys, which make difficult passages easier and more fluid.
The conservatory key system refers to the number of additional keys that enhance playability and technique. Student models may have a basic setup, while intermediate and professional oboes include more keys for greater control and expression.
If your child is ready to upgrade their oboe, we’re here to help! Schedule a demo appointment to try out step-up oboes and find the perfect fit. Experience the difference in sound, feel, and performance—because the right oboe can make all the difference! 🎶
Double Reed Family
As your child grows as a musician, they might encounter other members of the double reed family that add new sounds and challenges to their playing.
🎵 English Horn (Cor Anglais) – A larger, lower-pitched version of the oboe with a mellow, haunting sound, often featured in orchestras and film music.
🎵 Oboe d’Amore & Bass Oboe – Unique instruments with deeper, richer tones, used in specialty ensembles and certain classical works.
🎵 Bassoon – A larger double-reed instrument with a deep, resonant sound. Bassoons are essential in orchestras and wind ensembles, providing a rich bass voice. Like the oboe, they come in student, intermediate, and professional models, with differences in materials and keywork. Beginners typically start on a short-reach (modified) bassoon before moving to a full-sized instrument.