Double-reed instruments are some of the most unique members of the woodwinds family. Unlike the clarinet and saxophone, which utilize a single reed mounted on a mouthpiece, double-reed instruments feature—you guessed it—two reeds vibrating against each other to create an unmistakable sound.
The most popular double-reed instruments are the oboe and bassoon, but the category also includes lesser-known instruments like the English horn (or cor anglais) and contrabassoon. These instruments have a complex and nuanced character that’s essential to the texture of orchestral and chamber music. The oboe has a penetrating, distinctive voice that can easily be heard over other instruments, while the bassoon brings a warm sound that’s deeper and more woody than its higher-register counterparts.
Despite the richness that these instruments bring to the ensemble, they are relatively rare in middle- and high-school music programs. That’s probably because they’re often seen as more difficult to play than other woodwinds, requiring a greater degree of dedication and patience from the student (and director for that matter!).
In this article, we’ll explore the unique challenges that double-reed instruments present and offer some practical suggestions for how band directors and parents can help their students succeed.
But first, let’s answer a couple of common questions.
Are double-reed instruments really more difficult?
While all instruments are challenging to master, some are more accessible for young or beginning musicians. Many double-reed players initially learn to play another instrument, such as the saxophone or clarinet, before transitioning to the oboe or bassoon. This approach allows them to develop essential skills like reading music and breath control. With these foundational skills in place, they can then concentrate on the unique challenges of playing double reeds.
Even though double-reed instruments are some of the more challenging woodwinds to play, the time and effort are worth it. The oboe and bassoon add a unique flavor, enabling the ensemble to create a richer, more complex sound and play a greater variety of music.
What type of player is best suited for double-reed instruments?
Double-reed instruments are best for students who have the patience to work diligently at something before getting results. Many kids start off on flute or clarinet and switch to oboe or bassoon once the band director sees they’re dedicated to music and up for a unique challenge. Double reeds are some of the rarest instruments in the band room, so taking up one of these instruments inherently makes the player stand out—perfect for kids who enjoy being in the spotlight.
For more advanced players, a big part of playing oboe or bassoon is learning to adjust and make your own reeds, so these instruments can work well for those with the patience and aptitude for DIY craftsmanship.
Now that we’ve covered some basics, let’s discuss the biggest challenges of double-reed instruments.
Challenge No. 1: Reeds, Reeds, Reeds
A double reed works by using two pieces of cane that are bound together and vibrate against each other. Unlike single-reed instruments, where the mouthpiece aids in sound creation, the entire sound of the oboe or bassoon depends on the reeds.
Given the relative importance of the reeds, it’s helpful for students, band directors and parents to understand several things about them:
- Double reeds are more delicate and prone to damage compared to the single reeds used for clarinet and saxophone.
- Double reeds don’t last as long as single reeds. While reed life is highly dependent on how often it is played and for how long, a clarinet or sax player might use a reed for a month or more before it needs to be replaced. Double-reed players—especially oboists—will need to replace their reeds much more often.
- Double reeds are more susceptible to weather changes. In humid conditions, double reeds will tend to be more open and may close up when the air is dry. Experienced double-reed players learn to adjust their reeds for different seasons and weather conditions.
- Double reeds are more expensive, and the student will probably need a lot of them—three at a minimum, for practice, performance and backup.
- Double reeds require trial and error to find the right one. Students and parents might be disappointed to purchase multiple reeds only to find they don’t function properly. However, this is often due to lack of proper preparation—something a good oboe teacher can help with.
Ultimately, most experienced oboe and bassoon players choose to craft their own reeds to achieve the desired sound and response. This requires considerable skill and experience, but is well worth the effort.
Challenge No. 2: Forming and Maintaining the Correct Embouchure
Maintaining a correct embouchure (the way the lips and mouth are positioned on the reed) is crucial for sound production and intonation.
Beginning players will often put too much reed in their mouth because doing so makes it easier to produce a sound. This causes the reed to vibrate too freely, resulting in unpleasant tones.
Developing and maintaining the correct embouchure can be physically demanding, particularly on the lips, jaw and facial muscles. Building up embouchure strength and technique takes months of practice, requiring patience on the part of the student and director.
Additionally, the double-reed instruments have a very small hole to blow through, which requires players to regulate their airflow much differently than they would with other instruments. Unlike the flute or even sax, where most of the player’s breath is expended while playing, double-reed players don’t blow out nearly as much air. This sometimes requires the player to exhale between notes to let stale air out of the lungs, as well as inhale to replace expended air.
Challenge No. 3: Frequent Tuneups Are Required
Much like surgical tools and Italian sports cars, double-reed instruments require frequent maintenance to function properly. This includes regular cleaning and adjusting key mechanisms. Most band and orchestra instruments can be checked every two years or so, but double reeds should be checked by a knowledgeable repair tech or experienced player every six months to a year. Reeds also frequently require adjustment throughout their lives.
To have your child’s instrument inspected, maintained and repaired by the most experienced technicians in the business, contact the Music & Arts repair team.
Challenge No. 4: Higher Cost Compared to Other Instruments
Because of their complexity, and the fact that they are produced in much smaller numbers than other woodwinds, quality double-reed instruments can be expensive. You can typically find a good beginner clarinet, saxophone or flute for under $1,000, but most starter oboes typically cost $2,000 and up, with bassoons going for several times that. And as mentioned above, the cost of reeds can add up quickly—especially as the player is just starting out.
Consider renting an oboe from Music & Arts. You’ll get a high-quality, educator-approved instrument that’s properly set up and ready for playing.
Help with Overcoming the Challenges
As explained in this article, the double-reed instruments present a variety of challenges, but it’s much easier to get past these hurdles with the help of an experienced teacher. Most band and orchestra directors aren’t double-reed players, so it’s difficult for them to tell whether the student is making a critical mistake that could hamper their development. That’s why it’s so important for students to get supplemental instruction with a good teacher.
Besides helping the student learn to play their instrument, a good teacher will also provide help with reed selection and care, and perhaps even teach the student to adjust and make their own reeds.
Looking for a music instructor? Our world-class teachers can help students overcome any challenges—including the ones presented by double-reed instruments. Contact us today to find an instructor near you!