Did you know that you can learn to play the oboe at Platform C? And that this particular wind instrument is much more accessible than you might think?
Ella is an oboe teacher at Platform C. She has been playing the instrument for twenty years and enjoys teaching both children and adults. Not only in Amstelveen, but also at other locations. Besides teaching, she remains active as a musician herself: she plays in several orchestras and a house chamber ensemble.
From recorder to oboe
Ella started playing the recorder when she was eight years old. "I enjoyed that immensely," she says. "After two years, the choice came up to continue with recorder or to choose another instrument that would allow me to play in a symphony orchestra. I chose the second option." She knew she wanted to continue playing a wind instrument and tried clarinet and oboe, among other instruments. "With the oboe, I got sound right away. I obviously had a knack for it and it felt right away." She later attended the secondary school for young musical talent in The Hague, which is also equal preliminary training for the conservatory. During her master at the conservatory, she was asked by a former teacher if she didn't want to teach somewhere as well. "I hadn't really thought about it yet, but it seemed like fun to try." She started teaching in Alkmaar and soon found that it was something she got a lot of energy from. "You notice that you can really make a difference. Whether someone is just starting out or has been playing for a while, you see that they are progressing. That's what I like best about it."
In the lessons, students work step by step on their basics. "With beginners, I use a set method called 'Hear, Read & Play.' When the basics are right, there is room to see what someone really likes to learn to play. Sometimes students themselves come up with music they would like to learn, there is room for that." For those who want, there is also the wind ensemble at Platform C, in which some of her students participate.
Around the oboe often hangs the idea that it is a difficult instrument to play. Ella recognizes that. "Many people think it's very difficult to get sound out of it. I really enjoy letting people experience it for themselves during the Open Day and surprising them that it's really not like that. I use plastic straws that everyone can get sound out of. Then you soon find out if you have a feeling for it. Some children who have never played an instrument before get a good tone right away. That's really talent then."
Try it for yourself!
The main thing is to understand how to blow. "Once you figure that out, it's not necessarily difficult," she says. "You just have to try it once."
Curious about the oboe? Sign up here for a trial lesson at Platform C and discover how fun and surprising this instrument is.
