I believe the knowledge passed from one generation of oboists to the next is sacred—and should be shared without reservation. It’s my turn to pass on what I’ve learned, and I’m excited to share it with you now.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, the lesson I’ve created is designed to help take your oboe playing to the next level.

Some might call it a simple “warm-up routine,” and in a way, they’re right. It is simple—and you can certainly use it as a warm-up—but it’s much more than that. This is a series of progressive exercises that naturally cover every fundamental aspect of oboe playing. If you take the time to really think through and master each concept, your playing will improve—naturally and automatically. I call this series Back to Basics.

Unlike working at the surface level with etudes, excerpts, or solo pieces, these exercises go deep—into the foundation of healthy, efficient playing. At the center of it all is air control, or what I call “holding the air.” That’s why the first exercise starts there.

At first glance, these exercises may seem deceptively simple. But if you give them time and attention, you’ll uncover real depth. There are entire worlds hidden in this six-part lesson.

The more carefully you listen, the more you’ll hear—and you may be surprised by how much you enjoy (and even look forward to) practicing these exercises after just a few days.

In addition, I’ve often been asked about double tonguing—how to learn it, how to refine it, and how to make it feel natural. To answer those questions, I’ve written out my complete approach in a second handout, focused entirely on developing and mastering this invaluable skill. It’s also available for download.

Wishing you great success in your playing!