Band directors have the challenging job of maintaining the skills necessary to teach every instrument in the band. While there are education classes to teach all the instruments in college, the oboe and bassoon are often overlooked for method classes. A band director would be considered fortunate if they are given only a few classes on the double reed instruments. Many music education majors have no classes on oboe or bassoon, and they are expected to be able to teach with this very limited knowledge presented to them, if presented at all.

The goal of this document is to provide band directors, along with beginning level students, some fundamental double reed concepts. A band director could read the information in this document and have a significantly higher understanding of two complex instruments. By having a resource for oboe and bassoon, it will help open more opportunities for students to choose these instruments, as they are the two most seldom played woodwind instruments.

By explaining basic concepts in a logical order, I will provide a structured guide for learning. There will be descriptions and diagrams to discuss fundamental concepts. Music examples will coordinate with the concepts being taught to put the skills into practice. A list of books for further study is provided, as well as a list of recordings for students to go to for inspiration.