Reed all about it

I love playing the oboe. I hate making reeds. It's more like-i don't mind making reeds, but the fact it takes about 4 hours to maybe get a good one really frustrates me. I try to excuse myself now, thinking I work too long of a day, I don't have any performances, and I'll get back into one day. I usually don't open the Charles Double Reed Newsletter, but he has some advice for me. So...."reeds can be fun!"

In our part of the U.S. - the North Country - winter has many meanings. Yes there's shoveling and dangerous driving. Not so enjoyable. But, never forget that winter brings great opportunities as well. Unique playing, building: energetic fun opportunities! Just like reeds. Yes, like reeds. I know players who dread reed making, do it out of need, slog through it on their way to the good stuff - playing. I'm here to tell you that it doesn't take a radical shift in perspective to find the opportunity for enjoyment in reed making. Dive into your reed making with the same gusto you reserve for performance and discover the gifts that await you there. One of my favorite sayings with my students is this: You have a bunch of mantras you repeat to yourself such as: "I can't do it", which seems to be a favorite when they approach a difficult new challenge. Why choose that one? I challenge you to change your mantra today. "I can do it", "I can enjoy this", "I want to make this fun", and three goods ones to begin with. But the best ones, I'm sure, are the ones you'll discover once you get to the business of enjoying your reed making.