The oboe reed : investigations and comparisons of the oboe reed for the development of the pedagogy of the oboe

The purpose of this dissertation is to put forward ideas and improved techniques of contemporary oboe reed making. The reed is an integral part of oboe playing and should not be regarded as a secondary consideration; Quality and stability of the tone, intonation, resistance and many more attributes largely depend on the constriction and finish of the reed. Ledet states in his book O):loe reec'l. styles: 'From the stand point of both the teacher and the student, reed making is one of the most important aspects in the pedagogy of the oboe'. One of the most frustrating aspects of oboe playing is the need for fresh reeds. It is imperative, therefore, that the student develop the necessary understanding and technical skills of reed making early in the learning process, thus allowing other areas of development to proceed unobstructed. For the young oboist insufficient material is available to explain and demonstrate the art of reed making in a straightforward and easily understood fashion. It is for this reason that I have carri9d out investigations and comparisons in the following areas which represent fundamental principles in the development of the pedagogy of the Oboe. 1) CANE The basic structure and composition of Arundo Donax is analysed. 2) SHAPERS a) Two steel shapers of different dimensions (wide and narrow) are constructed. b) The two shapers are used to make two different reeds and their tonal and intonation quality analysed. 3) SHAPING, PROFILING AND FINAL ADJUSTMENT OF THE REED Improved techniques are put forward with graphically illustrated examples.