Oboemotions: What Every Oboe Player Needs to Know About the Body/G7367 Spiral-bound – September 16, 2009

In the interest of full disclosure, I studied with the author in graduate school. I was inspired to purchase and study this book after attending Dr. Caplan's masterclass on OboeMotions and body mapping at the IDRS convention in Provo. After learning how to map my AO joint in the class and practicing with my oboe in the new position, I discovered that I had could articulate much cleaner and faster. I hadn't been aware of the tension in my neck, because I hadn't experienced any pain, and I wondered what other unnecessary and constricting muscle tension I could identify and eliminate.Dr. Caplan's text covers absolutely every aspect of oboe playing while dispelling common myths and misconceptions, especially in the chapters discussing the diaphragm and vibrato. He chooses his words carefully, and clearly explains why certain suggestions offered to students by their teachers can be problematic. However, this is in no way a dry read! Dr. Caplan is a talented writer, and he crafted an engaging and occasionally humorous text despite the technical subjects he tackled.This is a comprehensive resource for anyone who plays or teaches the oboe. I also want to note that GIA did a beautiful job in the printing - the layout is attractive and flows well, the anatomical diagrams are excellent, and the spiral binding allows you to keep it on your music stand to refer to during a practice session. Oboemotions is a must-have!

This book imparts incredibly useful knowledge, not only for oboe players, not only for musicians in general, but for anyone who want to be physically and psychologically more efficient.

I wish I'd had this informative book before I developed tennis elbow. What it says makes sense - it is clear in its explanations of anatomy & the science of movement. Helpful diagrams assist too.

A wonderful book full of practical oboe instruction. Recommended for new students or old students who were not properly trained.

This book is helping me immensely. I'm just getting back to serious oboe playing after an almost 20-year hiatus (partly because of tendonitis, partly other things). I wish I had bought it many years ago.