Group Training

(at our premises)

The Format

  • 4 modules
  • Duration : 1 full day (2 modules per half-day). 
  • Price: 190.-chf

By the end of this training, you’ll no longer be at the mercy of your instrument’s mechanical quirks. Instead, you’ll be able to take control with confidence.

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Module I

Mechanical Analysis, Transition from Model to Oboe, and Pad Adjustment

Objectives :

Develop an understanding of the oboe’s basic mechanics, learn how to transfer theoretical knowledge to your own instrument, and understand the physics of pad pressure.

Theoretical and Practical Content:

• Putting Concepts into Practice: Explore the rocker mechanism and the direction in which adjustment screws turn through focused exercises using my specially designed models for the training. Learn to explain these mechanisms using accurate technical terminology.

• From Macro to Micro: Guided identification of corresponding mechanical features directly on the student’s own oboe, including screws, contact points, pivots and the overall “layout” of the keywork.

• The Principles of Pad Sealing: Analyse the mechanical action involved in achieving an airtight pad seal: how to correct a pad that does not seal properly or release one that is too tightly seated. Put this into practice straight away on the A-key pad of my own instrument.

Module II

Mastering Complex Keywork Linkages and Mechanical Hierarchy

Objectives :

Develop an understanding of complex keywork linkages and the two adjustment methods used by Hautbois Futé: “cold” and “hot” adjustment. Learn to recognise the hierarchy of adjustments and understand why their order matters.

Theoretical and Practical Content :

• Analysing Multiple Keywork Linkages: Use the second mechanical model to demonstrate how the G key and its two associated contact points behave when the C key is depressed — using the F-sharp mechanism as a practical example.

• “Hot” Adjustment Technique: Learn the precise movements required to adjust the G key and its associated keys while playing the instrument.

• Mechanical Disengagement Method: Learn the procedure for mechanically isolating the linkage between the G key and the A-key contact point, preventing conflicts in the adjustment hierarchy.

• The Two-Hands Analogy: Identify the equivalent mechanism in the right-hand keywork, where keys have multiple linkages, and analyse how this affects the adjustment method.

Module III

Acoustic Assessment and Targeted Fault Diagnosis

Objectives :

Develop your technical ear and analytical skills to diagnose faults and quickly identify their source through playing.

Theoretical and Practical Content:

    • Fault-Finding Laboratory: Analyse real but reversible faults deliberately introduced into my own instrument.

    • Acoustic Analysis Through Playing: Learn a systematic diagnostic approach using the instrument itself to pinpoint the exact source of a problem.

    • Mapping Air Leaks: Precisely identify where along the bore the fault originates. Examine the symptoms in detail: is it an air leak, a sluggish key mechanism (spring-related or otherwise), and at exactly which note does the response begin to suffer?

    • Corrective Action: Determine the most appropriate technical solution to resolve the problem.

    Module IV

    Guided “Therapeutic” Instrument Care,

    Oil Maintenance and Final Certification

    Objectives :

    Practise safe disassembly under supervision, carry out advanced maintenance procedures, and verify that your instrument is working perfectly.

    Theoretical and Practical Content:

      • Restorative Instrument Repair Workshop: The student carries out a complete disassembly of the mechanical section affected by a significant fault, with guided repair exercises covering issues such as a broken spring, a damaged bumper cork or a seized key rod.

      • Octave Vent Cleaning and Lubrication: The student performs the complete cleaning procedure for the octave vents to eliminate water noises, followed by the precise lubrication of key rods and pivots wherever necessary.

      • Final Performance Check: A thorough, comprehensive quality check of the student’s oboe at the end of the workshop, ensuring flawless mechanical operation and sound performance.

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