I usually recommend renting an oboe from a local music store.

The student can give it a try without a large financial obligation. Renting can also be a longer-term solution for families with dedicated students but who are on a strict budget.

Here are my top picks of places to begin the search for an oboe:

onksws.com

www.woodwindworkshop.com/rentals ( New York based recommended )

www.musicarts.com/rentals

www.hannahsoboes.com

www.mmimports.com/services/instrument-rental/

Today's advanced video communication technology makes online music classes easy to set up. All you need is a device with a camera and microphone such as a laptop computer, iPad, or even a smartphone. Most classes are done through Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, Google Duo. Initial set up time is free of charge. Bigger screens are preferred. For best results, make sure the space is well-lit, quiet, and away from direct sunlight.

There are three key factors: the number of keys, type of key action, and cost.

Having the full-size keyboard with 88 keys is important because, without the full range of the piano, you can quickly outgrow a smaller keyboard and will be unable to play all of the music your teacher gives you. Based on your budget and available space piano keyboards with 76 or 61 keys can be considered.

Weighted keys are made to play and feel just like the keys on a real piano. For some who are beginners, this probably doesn’t mean much but it is an important factor that will be a must as you advance your piano technique and work on creating different dynamics, articulation, and phrasing.

Here is a list of my top piano keyboard recommendations:

Beginner keyboards under $300:

1. Yamaha NP-32 – Excellent Piano Sound In a No-frills Package

2. Roland GO:KEYS – Innovative Keyboard with Powerful Performer Features

3. Alesis Recital – The Best Entry-Level Keyboard with 88 Keys on the Market

4. Yamaha PSR-EW300 – Arranger Keyboard That Offers Much More Than Just Piano

5. Casio CTX-700 – Another Entry-Level Arranger (and a Strong Competitor to the PSR-E363)

Intermediate-Advanced Full size, weighted keys :

1. Yamaha P-45

2. Yamaha P-125

3. Casio CDP-S150

4. Casio PX-560

5. Kawai ES110

6. Roland FP-60

Often and well! Regular practice builds muscle memory and discipline. Clocking hour upon hour of practice won't help you, however, unless you've got a good understanding of what you're doing. Poor practicing is nothing more than reinforcing mistakes and can diminish your playing. I recommend practicing at least five times a week. You don't need to devote your entire day to practice, but you do need to be focused and purposeful.

The reed is a very important part of playing the oboe. They are very fragile and have a short lifespan. For beginners, I suggest you buy reeds from a local music store and have them adjusted by the oboe teacher, who will also show you how to maintain them, so they last longer.