10. Ask another oboist to play duets with you, or schedule an informal chamber music reading with whomever you know within the next few days.

You can learn a whole lot (mostly about yourself) by listening and playing with others. Playing with other oboists or instruments forces you to LISTEN, which is perhaps the most important skill of all.

9. Soak some cane, make a reed in 5 minutes and then force yourself to practice on it today.

Being able to make oboe reeds quickly is a great skill to develop for any oboist. Knowing you are only minutes away from a playing oboe reed will lower your stress level and ensure that you will have a steady supply of practice reeds.

8. Trade oboe reeds with a friend and teach each other something.

While you might not be able to play a concert on a friend