Music is the universal language of mankind.  --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

INSTRUCTOR: Martha Pineno Hess
(oboe, oboe d'amore, English horn}

Marti Hess received a B.S. in Art Education from Millersville University. She is a former oboist for the Pottstown Symphony and soprano for Meistersingers, a 16-voice ensemble.

Marti taught art in public school for over 10 years before taking her position as executive director of Cygnet Studios, Elizabethtown. Marti has been teaching drawing, painting, pottery and oboe lessons full-time at Cygnet Studios since 1993.

Becky and Marti photo
Becky studied oboe with Marti for 8 years.

Ms Hess was nominated 1997 "Best Performance Artist" by Lancaster Sunday News for her "Heritage Portrait Series" oil paintings, featuring 20 paintings of ordinary people from Elizabethtown. The Heritage Series was completed the following year with 12 additional paintings of prominent buildings.

Her illustrated book, "Talented Tabby," premiered in 2002. "Leonardo’s Lesson", the companion book to "Talented Tabby" was published in October 2003.

The CD "Silver Swan" arrived in April 2003 and includes five of her original compositions. Two CDs, "Butterfly Blue" and "Amaryllis" were released March 2004. The "Twilight" CD was released May 2005. "N202, Clearing the Air" was released June 2006.

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OBOE INSTRUCTION

Oboe instruction is geared to meet each student's musical needs. Lessons are scheduled once a week unless other arrangements are made. Lesson books should be purchased prior the lesson. We have some lesson books in stock which can be purchased from Cygnet Studios.

Lessons will be devoted to developing the skills of rhythm, embouchure, technique, intonation, phrasing and articulation. Basic music theory worksheets may be included during the lessons for beginners.

Christine and Marti photo
Christine studied oboe with Marti for 7 years.

We are willing to work on school music (band/orchestra/district) during lessons, however it is important for students to continue to practice standard lesson material from methods books.

Students need to be at each lesson with a reed that works. Soak your reed before arriving at your lesson. We can supply quality reeds ($10 - $14 each) if students do not already make reeds or do not have a good source of handmade reeds. Students should practice at least 30-60 minutes, four times a week. A 24 hour notice for cancellations is required (unless emergency) or you will be charged for the lesson.

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OBOE LESSON FEES

 Bethany and Marti photo
Bethany studied oboe with Marti for 5 years.

Per Month (4 weeks):

30 minutes, $80.00
45 minutes, $120.00
1 hour, $160.00

1/2 Semester (8 weeks):

30 minutes, $152.00
45 minutes, $232.00
1 hour, $312.00

Full Semester (12 weeks):

30 minutes, $216.00
45 minutes, $336.00
1 hour, $456.00

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REED MAKING SESSIONS ($80.00, 2 hours)

Reed making is taught after 1 - 2 years of private instruction. Students may view a video before these sessions. Adjustment information, Reed-n-Note memos, and a "Reed Recipe Card" are included with the fee.

Basic supplies cost about $60.00 and are required prior to the session. We have some used/discounted supplies available for purchase - just ask.

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LESSON BOOKS

Oboe Student Level I - III
Tunes for Technique
Belwin Mills, publisher

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Rubank Advanced Vol. I - II
H. Voxman, publisher

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G. Pares
Daily Exercises and Scales for Oboe
Carl Fischer, publisher

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Davies
Scales & Arpeggios
Boosey & Hawkes, publisher

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Master Solos Intermediate Level
Hal Leonard, publisher

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Rothwell
Difficult Passages for Oboe and English Horn
Boosey & Hawkes, publisher

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Marti, Shelley, Bethany playing oboe trio
Marti, Shelley and Bethany playing oboe trios.

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A. Andraud
Practical & Progressive Oboe Method
Southern Music Co., publisher

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John P. Russo
20 Contemporary Studies for Oboe Solo
Henri Elkan Music, publisher

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Salviani
Studi per Oboe
Ricordi/Belwin Mills, publisher

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Arcamone
12 Studies
Ricordi/Belwin Mills, publisher

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Brod
Studies, Etudes, Sonatas

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PURCHASING AN OBOE

When you purchase an oboe, it is an investment. Your instrument should provide you with years of enjoyment with a minimum of adjustments or repairs.

Consider buying a "used" quality instrument or a modestly priced new instrument. The oboe needs all cork pads, low Bb, F-resonance, B-C trill key. Left F may be needed also for better upgrade. You may want the low Bb resonance key and the 3rd octave key - that would depend on the level of music played.

Many companies allow you to try an oboe for up to 7 days. You may be required to pay the complete amount by check or send a down payment. Some companies accept credit cards. Bring the oboe to your lesson so that you can be helped with your purchasing decision.

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RECOMMENDED OBOES (Brand Name, Price)

Purchase oboes at www.usedoboes.com

To find out more about oboes online, please visit our links page:
Double Reed Links.

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OBOE REPAIRS

Repair costs vary depending on condition and difficulty of the work. Most repairs are done by Cygnet Studios. Approximate time for completion varies. Some repairs can be completed while you wait, while others require your instrument to remain with us for a few days. We may require a deposit for larger repairs. There is an additional charge for shipping.

Adjustments - Standard adjustments to put oboe in playing condition
Minimum charge: $25

General Cleaning - Remove keys, clean rods, keys, silver polishing
Estimated charge: $75 - $150

Repairing - Replace pads where needed. Return bent keys to correct position. Make adjustments to put in playing condition
Minimum charge: $45.00

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CONTACT INFORMATION

TELEPHONE: (717) 367-6140

FAX: (717) 367-6369

ADDRESS: 336 South Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

CONTACT Cygnet Studios

Internet: http://www.oboelessons.com

Content of this page is the sole property of :
Cygnet Studios © 2008
No part of this website may be copied without written permission.

Revised 5/26/04 due to copyright infringement by another musician/company.