Reeds... How not to be a head case!

Reeds can be the bane of the oboe player's existence.  Now that that's out of the way...  Every oboe player must learn to take charge of this love-hate relationship with reeds.  

Reeds can become an easy excuse to turn to when the real problem is something that lies with the player.  Most often even a less than perfect reed (& let's face it most all reeds are) can be played with success if the player has the right attitude and technique.

Reeds can become intimidating and psychological if you let them.  The best thing an oboist can do is to be confident and in charge of their reeds.  I always tell my students that they must be the master of their reeds not a slave to them!

There are times when a reed is broken or old and needs to have the always cathartic "reed funeral" but too often we blame a reed that really has life still in it if we just give it a chance!