Should I play Oboe or Saxophone?

[Demonamol]

I've recently just started a music degree at University. My main instrument is the flute and I am studying towards my diploma. I really want to start learning another wind instrument. If I stick to the wind family, the basics are already there.
But here's the thing, I don't know what to play, it could be virtually anything!
I think I've narrowed it down to either oboe or saxophone.

The oboe has a beautiful sound but I understand it works out more expensive (especially for a poor student!) and is harder to play (apparently) but willing to put in the effort and I'd imagine the job prospects would be far greater as there isn't much competition.
On the other hand the saxophone also has a wonderful sound but there are millions of saxophonists out there. So I'd be in the same dilemma as I have with the flute - there are too many of us!

Can anybody help with the pros and cons?

I'd be very grateful!

Cheers,
Tash

[Androcles]

I can'tplay any of these, but I would have thought that with a sax you could always play in a dance bad, jazz band etc and earn a few bucks, whilst there are not many oboes to be found in these?

[saxy_jag]

Before we start, bear in mind I'm a sax player, so I may be somewhat biased, but I'll try to be fair.

Oboes are, comparatively, very expensive. An advanced student alto saxophone (and at your level, I wouldn't go for a beginner's instrument, to be honest) will set you back around £1000 new, whereas a similar level oboe will cost half as much again. Checkout John Myatt's or Sheehans' websites for prices. I believe the oboe is also considerably more difficult to learn, but I've never played one, so couldn't comment.

Yes, there are millions of sax players out there, but not so many good ones. You would have a choice of at least four sizes and the more you can play, the more employable a commodity you'll be to the music industry, especially if you can double on flute and/or clarinet.

The technique required for the oboe is adaptable to cors anglais and bassoon. Whilst ours isn't the only wind band to be crying out for oboists/bassoonists, wind bands and classical orchestras are about the only places you'll find them in any number. There's no reason why you can't play jazz or even rock with an oboe, of course, but you'd be hard pushed to find, say, a big band to take you on.

Having said all this, I know saxophonists and oboists who are in regular demand for pit work, as pit bands can vary so much in their requirements. Also, don't get the impression that you'll be more likely to find work just because there aren't so many players of your instrument - you still have to be good!

[yogi-bear]

Wish you well in whatever you decide on, Demonamol

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