1. A teacher's most important job is to enable the student to learn music on her own. I devote much of each oboe lesson to instruction and demonstration of home practicing strategies. I also frequently ask my students about the length and content of their practice sessions.

2. As early as middle school, I emphasize the importance of phrasing and musicality, achieved through clear dynamics, strong musical direction, appropriate articulation, and individual creativity.

3. I insist on correct rhythms at all levels of oboe playing. I take several different approaches to teaching rhythm depending on the needs of the individual student, ranging from writing in counts to clapping and marching exercises.

4. At the high school level, I assist students with region or all-state music by writing out practice guides which include repetition of difficult measures, explanations of ornaments, and strategies for learning technical passages.

5. I am very grateful for all the support and help parents give. The work that goes on in lessons is only meaningful if the student practices productively at home, and for this a little encouragement makes all the difference in the world. Thank you, parents!

Students are expected to be punctual and prepared. I give reasonable weekly assignments in each lesson and I explain practicing techniques at length; it is the student's responsibility to follow my instructions.

However, I know from my own experience that it is extremely helpful to have a bit of loving help from parents in the practicing department. You can help your oboist by setting a practice time for each day, creating an evening routine, or giving daily reminders to practice. Making time every day for the oboe is a great start towards learning the lifetime skill of time management.