Janielle's Musical Escapades

Oboe: Back On Track!

For a period of time, I kinda’ stopped practicing my oboe. I was unhappy with myself for not practicing. I really wanted to do it, yet I did not have the motivation and discipline. Maybe it was because of the cold winter, or simply because my oboe reed was deteriorating and I didn’t care to buy a new one cause’ it was costly.

So anyway, for nearly 2 months, I had no progress on the oboe. I started to dread the lessons with Mr. Jacobs because I couldn’t keep up. My mouth would tire very easily because I did not practice! So yes, I wasn’t doing well with my third instrument.

I asked God to help me, to give me the discipline to just do it. But in my heart, I did not really want God to help me. I made myself believe that I didn’t have the time for it. On the other hand, I can’t really blame myself about being “lazy”. I had to practice for piano and violin, and that took up at least 5 hours of my average day. By the time I settle for the oboe, I’m too tired and I can’t be bothered to assemble the parts and wet my reed.

However, at last week’s oboe lesson, I finally got fed up with myself and my lack of practice. It was too embarrassing to turn up for lessons unprepared and showing no improvement or commitment to the instrument. My teacher also gave me a very good suggestion concerning my practice schedule – he said I should try practicing oboe FIRST, before playing violin or piano. And just 15 minutes would do me good. Then at least I won’t be playing with my mind, fingers and body already tired from practicing violin and piano. I thought his advice made good sense!

So that’s what I did. I whipped out my oboe nearly everyday after school, and practiced just 15 minutes before starting on my other instruments. And hey, it jolly worked for me! This time, I also genuinely prayed that God would help me to get back on track with my oboe. Although I’ve been practicing only 15-30 mins each day, it has been good enough to help me remember the fingerings and develop the face muscles around my mouth bit by bit.

I’ve learned that even 15 minutes of practice a day makes an enormous difference. The key is to have constant and regular practices. Gah, as if we all don’t know that! But the truth is, we all try to ignore that fact. Sigh, there’s just no other way to it!

Anyway, here’s the happy ending: I had my oboe lesson this week, and for the first time since 2 months, I finally had such a productive and fun lesson!!! I learned much more and it was all because I could PLAY. Hahaha. All of a sudden, I feel extremely motivated. =)