Beginner Workshop

(one-to-one or at a music school)

The Format

  • 2 modules
  • Duration: One full half-day sessionurée : 1 demi-journée complète
  • Price: 150.-chf (per person) at our premises / 400.- chf for

By the end of the morning, you’ll be full of good intentions towards your faithful oboe companion and ready to give it all the care and attention it deserves!

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Module I

The Secrets of Oboe Mechanics

Objectives :

Through play and hands-on exploration models, beginners will discover the basic principles of how an instrument works and how their teacher can improve its performance. They will also learn to recognise that instrument maintenance is a specialised skill that they are not yet ready to undertake on their own.

Theory & Hands-on Activities:

  • Learning Mechanics: Discover how rocker mechanisms work using a specially designed model for the training, and explore the mechanical principles shared by all woodwind instruments in the orchestra.

  • The Experiment Lab: Handle oversized screws and bolts to observe how clockwise and counterclockwise turning affects mechanical movement, all without any risk to the oboe.

  • The Experts’ Workshop: Work together to investigate the minor problems affecting students’ instruments, identify their causes and find the most appropriate solutions.

 

Module II

Oboe SOS: Essential Habits for Young Musicians

Learning Objectives :

Develop good handling habits, anticipate the common pitfalls of the early learning years, and help children understand their responsibility for looking after their delicate instrument.

Theory & Hands-on Activities Safe Handling:

  • Learn how to assemble the three sections of the oboe without forcing them, and develop the essential habit of checking that the case is secure before lifting it.
  • The Great Water Hunt: Master the use of the double-cord silk swab, learn what to do if it gets stuck, and always keep the keywork facing upwards to prevent the pads from getting wet.
  • Weather Alert: Discover why wood doesn’t like extreme cold, radiators or direct sunlight, and learn about the mysterious problem of cracks in the wood.
  • A Teacher’s Secret (Optional): For the more curious, a brief introduction to basic cold adjustments to understand the role of an instrument repair technician.
  • The Beginner’s Corner: A chance for everyone to share their own stories, experiences and useful tips with the group.
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