Lynne Marie Mangan

Classical Musician and Educator

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Why Use Oboe Method Books

I’m often asked why I recommend oboe students purchase an oboe method book for lessons. First, it is important to understand that band method books (such as the “Standard of Excellence”, “Yamaha Band Method”, and “Essential Elements” books) are completely different than oboe method books. They are designed for use in full band, but are not geared specifically to the educational needs of the new oboist. This is why many private instructors assign oboe method books to their students.

Band method books such as those mentioned above are excellent tools created for use in full band rehearsals. Designed to help all students on all instruments, they are paced so that the entire band can progress simultaneously. Since you have to make compromises to accommodate all instruments, these methods are not designed to teach skills and in the most logical manner on the oboe. These methods often start beginner oboists in complicated ranges of the instrument, and often leave out key fingering issues and notes that should be learned earlier in the musician’s development.

Gekeler Oboe Method vol 1Therefore, I have my students work from a method book that is designed specifically for the technical development of the oboe player. These books help address oboe-specific issues for various skill levels. After meeting with a new student, I will assign a specific book to them based on how long they’ve played the oboe, their skill level, their age, and their musical goals.

As an instructor, I like to pair etudes (i.e. “studies”) in oboe methods with warm-up routines, scales, supplemental technical studies, solo literature, and chamber music. This strategy is employed for students of all skill levels and ages – from young students to those in college. Using this approach, I develop a specific program of study for each musician I work with.

While there are many terrific oboe method books available, I have developed my favorite list of Recommended Oboe Method Books that I use most often in my teaching of beginning, intermediate, and advanced oboe students.

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Ann Arbor Symphony: Music from “The Ring”



A2SOLynne will join the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra to kick off their 2007-2008 series with a concert featuring several powerful musical selections from Richard Wagner’s The Ring cycle. The choirs from five area high schools will join the orchestra to perform from works such as “Lohengrin”, “Die Meistersinger von Nurnburg”, “Das Rheingold”, “Die Walkure”, “Siegfried”, and “Gotterdammerung”.

The orchestra will also perform Rachmaninoff’s famous Second Piano Concerto with soloist Arthur Greene.

For more information about this concert, visit the Ann Arbor Symphony’s website.

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Mozart and Poulenc: Masterpieces for Piano and Winds

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The Ann Arbor Symphony Woodwind Quintet will perform a concert on September 26th at the Ann Arbor City Women’s Club. Pianist Gail Jennings will join our ensemble to perform the beautiful Quintet for Piano and Winds by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as well as Poulenc’s exciting Sextet for Piano and Winds.
The woodwind quintet will also perform La Cheminee du Roi Rene by Darius Milhaud.

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The Music of Led Zeppelin

On Saturday, August 18, Lynne will appear with the DTE Energy Music Theater orchestra for “The Music of Led Zeppelin“. The orchestra will back up the official Led Zeppelin tour band.

For more information, see the DTE Energy Music Theater website.