The Unique Challenges of Double Reed Instruments and How Resources Help

Double reed instruments—the oboe and bassoon—present some of the steepest learning curves in the woodwind family. Unlike single reeds, where the reed vibrates against a mouthpiece, double reed players must manage two precisely shaped cane blades that vibrate against each other. This demands extraordinary embouchure control, breath support, and the ability to adjust the reed itself. Without high-quality study materials, beginners often struggle with tone production, intonation, and endurance, while advanced players may hit plateaus in musical expression and technique.

The right books and resources do more than teach fingerings: they demystify the subtle art of reed adjustment, build the muscles needed for long phrases, and expose players to the rich repertoire written for these instruments. Whether you are a student preparing for conservatory auditions, a teacher looking for proven method books, or a professional seeking fresh insight, investing in authoritative materials accelerates your journey. Below is a comprehensive guide to the best resources available—both print and digital—tailored for double reed musicians at every level.

Foundational Books for Oboe and Bassoon Technique

Method books remain the backbone of double reed pedagogy. Many have been used for generations and are still recommended by top professors at schools like Juilliard, Curtis, and the Royal Academy of Music. Below are essential titles divided by instrument, along with guidance on how to incorporate them into daily practice.

Essential Oboe Method Books

  • “The Art of Oboe Playing” by Elaine Douvas and Robert Atherholt – This modern classic is often called a “must-read” for serious oboists. It covers tone production, phrasing, articulation, and reed adjustment with clarity and depth. Douvas, principal oboist of the Metropolitan Opera, brings decades of performance and teaching experience.
  • “Oboe Method” by John de Lancie – De Lancie, a legendary figure in American oboe playing, wrote this method to develop clean articulation and solid technical facility. It includes progressive exercises and etudes ideal for intermediate players.
  • “48 Studies for Oboe” by Franz Wilhelm Ferling – Though not a method per se, this etude book is standard repertoire for building phrasing, rhythm, and musicality. Many teachers assign one study per week for systematic growth.
  • “The Oboe Reed Manual” by James R. Kirchhoff – For players ready to tackle reed-making, this guide provides step-by-step instructions on scraping, shaping, and adjusting reeds. Understanding reed behavior is critical to consistent tone.

Essential Bassoon Method Books

  • “Bassoon Method” by Julius Weissenborn – This is the most widely used bassoon method worldwide, covering scales, exercises, and fingerings. It is a staple for building foundational technique and is often paired with his “Practical Bassoon Method.”
  • “Daily Technical Studies for Bassoon” by Harold Goltzer – Goltzer’s exercises focus on finger agility, tonguing speed, and tone consistency across registers. Perfect for warming up and maintaining technique.
  • “The Bassoon Reed Manual” by Robert M. Williams – Comparable to Kirchhoff’s oboe reed book, this resource covers everything from gouging to finishing. Advanced players will appreciate the detailed troubleshooting sections.
  • “Studies for Bassoon” by Ludwig Milde (Concert Studies and Scale Studies) – Milde’s studies are essential for developing musical expressiveness and technical fluency. They are frequently used in university degree programs.

Many of these books can be purchased from specialty retailers like Woodwind.org or Treble Clef Music. Digital versions are also available through IMSLP for out-of-copyright works.

Reed-Making and Maintenance: Books and Workshops

No double reed player can succeed without mastering the reed. A poor reed can ruin any performance, while a well-made reed allows the musician to focus on musical expression. Here are the best resources for learning this craft.

  • “Reeds for Oboe and Bassoon” by Jay Light – An accessible book that explains the entire process from cane selection to final adjustments. It includes photographs and diagrams that clarify each step.
  • “Oboe Reed Making” by Martin Schuring – Schuring, a professor at Arizona State University, offers a modern approach with clear instructions and troubleshooting tips. This is often used in university reed-making classes.
  • ReedMakingTools.com – An online store with high-quality gouging machines, shapers, and knives. They also offer video tutorials and free articles on reed-making techniques.
  • Online workshops – Many professional players now teach remote classes via Zoom. Look for instructors on International Double Reed Society (IDRS) listings or through university extension programs.

Practice tip: Keep a reed journal. Note the scrape adjustments, humidity, and how the reed performed. Over time, you will develop a personalized method for consistent, reliable reeds.

Expanding Musicality: Etudes, Studies, and Solo Repertoire

Technical exercises are essential, but true artistry emerges from studying repertoire. Building a library of etudes and solo works exposes you to different musical periods and styles.

  • Baroque Period – Sonatas by Handel, Telemann, and Vivaldi double concertos form the core literature. Study them with a focus on ornamentation and clean articulation.
  • Classical and Romantic Periods – Mozart’s Oboe Quartet and Bassoon Concerto, Saint-Saëns’ Sonata for Oboe, and Weber’s Bassoon Concerto are essential. Listen to multiple recordings to understand stylistic traditions.
  • 20th and 21st Century – Works by Poulenc, Hindemith, and Berio challenge modern techniques. Many contemporary composers write for double reeds; explore pieces by Jennifer Higdon and Kalevi Aho.
  • Etude Collections – In addition to Ferling and Milde, consider collections by Barrett, Brod, and Jancourt for advanced studies that prepare you for orchestral excerpts.

For free access to thousands of scores, IMSLP is invaluable. Professional orchestral excerpts can be found in workbooks published by Vienna Philharmonic and other orchestras.

Online Learning Platforms and Communities

The internet has transformed double reed education. Video lessons, forums, and structured courses allow players of all levels to learn from top teachers without geographic limitations.

  • YouTube Channels – “Oboe Lessons with Kimberly” offers clear, progressive tutorials for beginners and intermediate players. “Bassoon Masterclass” and “The Bassoon Academy” provide deep dives into technique and repertoire.
  • Specialized Courses – Platforms like Udemy and Coursera occasionally offer woodwind instruction. For double reed-specific courses, check the IDRS Education page, which lists workshops, masterclasses, and online courses.
  • Social Media Communities – Facebook groups like “Double Reed” and “Oboe and Bassoon Players United” are active with daily Q&A, reed sales, and performance videos. Reddit’s r/oboe and r/bassoon offer support for players at all levels.
  • Virtual Lessons – Many university professors now teach via FaceTime or Skype. Lists of teachers who offer remote lessons can be found through IDRS or local symphony websites.

Incorporating Technology: Metronomes, Tuners, and Recording Apps

Double reed players must develop impeccable intonation and rhythm. Modern technology provides tools that make practice more efficient.

  • Metronome apps – Use apps like Pro Metronome (iOS/Android) which allow you to set complex time signatures and gradually increase tempo. Many have a built-in “accelerando” function for etudes.
  • Electronic tuners – You can use a Korg CA-1 or a smartphone app like Pano Tuner. Practice with a drone note to develop your ear for tuning the instrument’s natural tendencies.
  • Recording and analysis – Record practice sessions with apps like Voice Memos or Audacity. Listen back to evaluate tone color, dynamic control, and articulation clarity. Many advanced players also use Soundbrenner pulse devices for haptic rhythm feedback.

Practice Strategies for Maximum Progress

Owning the best books and resources is useless without a systematic practice approach. Use these strategies to integrate your materials effectively:

  1. Warm-up with tonal exercises – Begin each session with long tones, overtones, and dynamic swells from the method books. This builds embouchure stamina and intonation control.
  2. Balance technical and musical work – Spend 30-40% of practice on scales and exercises, 30% on etudes, and 20% on repertoire. The remaining time should be dedicated to reed work and listening.
  3. Set specific goals for each resource – For example, use Weissenborn for finger dexterity and Ferling for phrasing. Track your completion of exercises and etudes in a practice journal.
  4. Use video lessons to refine technique – When a book description of tonguing or vibrato is confusing, watch a YouTube tutorial to see it demonstrated. Mimic the teacher’s embouchure and hand position.
  5. Engage with communities to break isolation – Playing double reeds can be a solitary pursuit. Join an IDRS local chapter or participate in online forums to receive feedback on your playing and reed adjustments.

Building a Lifelong Resource Library

Double reed study does not end after graduation. Professional musicians continuously seek new materials to refine their craft. Consider adding these resources to your permanent collection:

  • Orchestral excerpt books – Many publishers (e.g., Hildegard Publishing, Boosey & Hawkes) compile standard audition excerpts with performance notes.
  • Books on music history and style – Understanding historical performance practices can transform your interpretation of Baroque and Classical works.
  • Advanced reed-making treatises – Look for books by David Weber or Neil Postman that focus on the physics and acoustics of the oboe and bassoon reed.
  • Masterclass recordings – Listening to great players like Heinz Holliger (oboe) or Klaus Thunemann (bassoon) discuss their approaches inspires new ideas.

Mastering double reed instruments is a lifelong pursuit, but the path becomes clearer when you equip yourself with the finest study materials available. By combining time-tested method books, modern digital resources, and a disciplined practice routine, you can overcome the instrument’s unique challenges and develop a beautiful, expressive tone. Start exploring these resources today—your future self on stage will thank you.