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There are many different types of woodwind instruments, and not all are made from wood. Some make a sound with the help of a reed, others don't.
One thing they do have in common, however, is that they all rely on the lips to play a note.
Emma Feilding outlines the common problems associated with learning the oboe – particularly mastering the reed
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What are split notes and 'ghost notes'? Julian Siegel talks about and demonstrates some saxophone tricks.
Find out more
An introduction to the most commonly found bass instrument in the woodwind group
A look at the range of clarinets, their invididual sounds and how they have been used in music
The sound created by the single reed and the importance of shape
Joy Farrell looks at the ingenious engineering of the instrument
Exploring the sound of this lyrical and popular instrument
Looking at the instrument's versatility and its ability to cross styles of music
Professional flute-player Anna Pyne emphasises the huge importance of practice and warming up
Anna Pyne explains how the keys are operated on a flute, and what sort of effects can be achieved
Profesional oboe-player Emma Feilding outlines the importance of the instrument's reed, and gives advice on how to look after this most crucial element of the oboe
Professional oboe-player Emma Feilding provides an overview of the fingering used on the oboe, and explains why it's less complicated than it looks
A look at how the modern flute has evolved over the past 200 years, and the options available to the modern flute-player
An essential overview of the orchestra's only pocket-size instrument
Julian Siegel demonstrates how to get the best out of your chosen instrument
Emma Feilding explains the construction of the all-important oboe reed
Julian Siegel talks about the differences between the clarinet and a saxophone
Learning the importance of correct breath control
How composers have used the range of the instrument
Julian Siegel talks about the different ways a bass clarinet can be used in jazz
How exactly do you put a bassoon together?
