Michael Aamoth
Professional Oboist
Professional Oboist
Email: michaelaamoth@outlook.com
Location: Minneapolis, MN, United States
Starting a Child on the Oboe
When it comes to teaching a young student how to play the oboe, it is critical that the basic techniques can only talk correctly but are presented separately and brought together in an organized fashion. It is important that this be recognized as the very moment that the student pics of the oboe from the first time. Learning the correct techniques before any bad habits are formed which will certainly interfere progress is extremely important. Unlearning is a great impediment to progressing in these efforts and it will be much less pleasant than learning the proper fundamentals. It is critical that a confident, supportive and experienced teacher that is steeped in the proper fundamentals be found upon beginning this journey with the oboe. It is almost always the case that the teacher be experienced oboist with good communication skills.
Auditioning teachers to make sure that you find the proper fit for your child can be a very important step. Experience, confidence and competence in the teacher will be important factors and the teachers that fit this profile will be open to this process. It is important to not hesitate to observe the teacher during early lessons to make sure that the child is understanding the teacher’s presentation and that this presentation is clear and organized, especially in regard to the basic playing techniques.
Michael Aamoth is an experienced oboe teacher and figure in the music industry as he founded a very popular music store back in 1983. Oboe is one of his predominant specialties and he has been helping people play for many years.
The Oboe - Like the Human Voice
But in the hands of a master, it is also an instrument with a beautiful tone, with a sound that some of its practitioners say is closer to the sound of the human voice than any other instrument. And that, they say, makes it capable of conveying great depths of emotion.
Beginners on the oboe, though, have historically found it a cranky instrument that takes a lot of practice just to produce a tone that doesn't peel paint off the walls. The oboe may be taken apart into three pieces that are known as the bell, which is its bottom-most part; the lower joint, which is its middle part; and the upper joint, which is its top part. A double reed is fitted into this top part, through which the musician supplies the flow of air that get it to produce those tones that can so resemble the human voice. But it takes a lot of practice to get to that level of skill.
Oboe instructors tell their students to always soak the reed in water while they put the instrument together. It doesn't need to soak directly in a glass of water though; it is enough to wet it and let it sit for a few minutes prior to playing on it. Saliva also works. The reed is also inserted into the top of the oboe after the rest of the instrument is put together.
Michael Aamoth is a trained oboist who has performed with many different symphony orchestras during his career. He is also an experienced oboe teacher who is currently writing an oboe method book for young oboists.
Which Instrument?
Choosing the right musical instrument can be a difficult choice, and there are many things to consider when doing so. Parents who are choosing an instrument for their child are often motivated by studies that show playing an instrument can stimulate the brain, and that it can build a sense of cooperation and commitment. And if they are choosing an instrument for themselves, one of the things they need to ask is, “What kind of music do I want to play?”
People who are learning their first musical instrument often ask, “What's the easiest instrument to play?” The reality is that no instrument is easy; they all take a commitment to master. Many music educators agree that the musical instrument that is easiest to learn is the one that the student has a passion for, and really wants to play.
One of the most popular choices of musical instrument is the piano. A full-sized piano has eighty-eight black and white keys. Many musicians consider it a fundamental instrument, because all of the notes are visible al at once, and learning notes and chords involves seeing their patterns. Moreover it is flexible, in the sense that learning the piano keyboard transfers easily to other keyboard instruments like organs and synthesizers.
The guitar is another popular choice; it may be the most popular music in the world. It is a stringed instrument that is available in various styles, from nylon string classical guitars to electric guitars that are a staple of rock and roll.
There is a huge family of instruments collectively referred to as wind instruments, with sub-categories of brass and woodwind. Midwest Musical Instruments in Minneapolis, Minnesota specializes in wind instruments. Its professional staff has extensive experience in performing and teaching, and can provide their customers with expert advice on finding the brass or woodwind instrument that is right for you or for your child. "We want you to make an informed decision, and purchase an instrument that will serve you well for years," says founder and owner Michael Aamoth.
Michael Aamoth is a trained oboist who has performed and taught for many years.
The Oboe Is Beautiful
For music students just learning a reed instrument, getting the proper sound is one of the first and biggest challenges that they face. The reed instrument family includes the clarinet, oboe, and saxophone, and each one has its own unique challenges. And each one takes its own type of reed.
"The oboe is beautiful," one student said. "Even though it's the biggest pain in the butt to try to be in tune – [and] getting your reeds to behave..." This experience is a common one, not just for developing oboists but for developing clarinetists and saxophonists, too. Some beginning musicians have become so frustrated that they have considered making reeds of their own. It sounds like a good idea, especially for the committed do-it-yourselfer, but like a lot of things, it's easier said than done.
"Trust me, it is not a good idea," said an oboe student who had been down that road. "One, it cost time and tools. Two, they won't work very well unless you can keep the right thickness. And three, it's impractical." He said that with a little care, the reeds you buy in your local music store can be made to last. "You can keep your reeds longer by keeping two and alternating them every time you play."
Midwest Musical Imports is a Minneapolis, Minnesota music store that specializes in woodwinds, and offers a variety of reeds for beginners to professionals. "We're excited to offer our customers Vandoren's latest offering to the clarinet world, Vandoren V21 reeds for Bb Clarinet," said one of the store's woodwind experts. Without saying so, he made it clear how specialized a musician's reed can be. "Vandoren's V21 reed combines the conical shape of a 56 rue Lepic reed with the profile of Vandoren's popular V12 reed."
Midwest Musical Imports was founded more than thirty years ago by owner Michael Aamoth.
Focus on the Web
if there is any better advice then telling a businessman that they must have a great web presence in the form of social media, email, and a website then that would be something unique because most everybody knows that these things are critical to success in this modern digital age. This is especially the case when it comes to a retail operation. There are too many competitors out there in nearly every vertical in existence that have built up a solid presence in these realms already. Therefore it behooves the individual in business today to compose a solid digital plan that is focused on the customer. Those are the characteristics of the best retail websites. By focusing on the customer and their experience, a retail operation is sure to make the browsing, shopping and information experience as pain-free as possible there is nothing more powerful than these elements composed into an effective retail online strategy.
Customers are looking to trust the store they are shopping in, so every element from the messaging, the layout, the pictures, the information to the checkout have to be carefully constructed and analyzed for effectiveness and clarity. Many customers see confidence on a technological level, and one of the things they look for is a SSL certificate. These certificates tell the customer that their information is secured between their computer system or smartphone and the Web server. The right kind of SSL certificate tells that same customer that the individual that has put up the site has been validated by a number of methods. Michael Aamoth runs just such an advanced retail site in the world of music instruments. He is the founder and owner of Midwest Musical Imports based out of Minneapolis Minnesota and his business has adopted a solid web presence over the years.
Advantages of Music in Our Schools
Here are reasons why music education is important in our schools:
1.It helps to enhance the development of the student’s language and reasoning
Musical training can help the students to develop the parts of the brain that are related to language and reasoning.
2.It helps to improve memory
Exposing students to musical training can help to improve their mental capacity. This can serve them well in their education and beyond.
3.Learning music promotes craftsmanship
Exposing students to musical training can help in promoting their craftsmanship. It will also help to improve their creative thinking.
4.It enhances dedication and coordination
Musical training can help to enhance the student’s dedication and coordination, especially those who practice with musical instruments.
5.Enhances emotional development
Musical training can help to develop the students emotionally. It can also help them to cope with anxiety.
6.Improves curiosity
Exposing students to musical training, especially in early childhood, can help them to develop curiosity and a positive attitude towards learning.
7.Music can help the students to relax
Soothing music is particularly useful in helping children to relax. It can also help them in dealing with stress.
8.Students can learn teamwork
Musical education can help students to work together especially as part of an orchestra or band.
9.Helps to develop better self esteem
Musical training will help the student to develop better communication abilities, and also help to improve their self-confidence.
Michael Aamoth has strong interest in classical music and student education. He is an Oboe teacher at the University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, and Bethel College. He has performed as an Oboist with the St Paul Chamber Orchestra, Aspen Festival Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Bach Choral Society, South Dakota Symphony, Duluth Symphony, and National Lutheran Choir.
Tips to Help Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired as a Music Teacher
If you are thinking of going into the music instruction business, here are a few tips that can help increase your chances of getting hired as a music teacher.
1. Know the business
Conduct a proper research to get the idea of how the business works. Also, work on your communication and interpersonal skills, as this will help you to build a good relationship with the students.
2. Improve your musical abilities
It is essential to regularly improve your proficiency and the ability to perform with the instrument that you intend to teach. Make good recordings of your performance; this will be used to judge your musical ability.
3. Be enthusiastic to educate
When you decide to be a teacher, see the meaning in it. When you have passion for teaching, it will help you to be more effective and you will derive great happiness and importance in imparting the knowledge of music to your students.
4. Show reliability and trustworthiness
Can you be trusted to keep the students safe? Your moral integrity is very important. Being trustworthy will enhance your credibility and your chances of getting hired.
5. Be organized
Keep your lessons very organized. Take notes and evaluate your students regularly, this will help you to effectively track their progress. Being organized will help you to be an effective teacher.
Michael Aamoth is an oboe teacher at the University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin, and Bethel College. He has strong passion for music and education, and he enjoys scuba diving, sky diving and reading.
Five Essential Things You Need to Consider Before You Start a Music Instruction Business
Before you start your own music instruction business, here are a few things that you ought to consider.
1. Overcome your mental obstacles
Before you begin, make the dedication to instruct, and take pride in it.
2. Set clear goals and objectives
Decide on who and what you can teach, how much you want to earn, and the measure of your time that you can commit to it. Develop effective strategies on how to achieve your goals and objectives.
3. Choose where you'll instruct
There are many places that you can use for music instruction. These include nearby schools, universities, or at the student's home. There may even be a room in your house that you can use. Make sure you prepare a positive learning environment; this will greatly help your business.
4. Choose your initial rate
Make necessary enquiries from people who are already in the business and compare their rates. Although it may seem like a smart idea to charge less than your competition in order to help you attract more students, this might send a wrong signal. They might think that you are charging less because you are an amateur. Aim for a medium or higher rate, which will show that you are valuable.
5. Develop a unique marketing strategy
A strong marketing strategy is a vital tool for success in any business. Decide on what makes your business unique and valuable. Set goals and objectives, and device means to achieve them through an efficient marketing strategy.
Finally, your determination and passion for teaching is very essential.
Michael Aamoth is the President of Midwest Musical Imports; a company that deals with importation of oboes, bassoons, flutes, clarinets, and other accessories. They also offers rental and repair services.
The Most Effective Method to Prevent Cracks in Your Oboe
Wooden Oboes are prone to cracks, and nobody wants to see their beautiful oboe cracking. The following steps can help to prevent your wooden oboe from cracking, although they cannot guarantee that the formation of cracks will be prevented.
1. Warm up your instrument in your grasp or under your arm before you blow any air into it. Warm up the instrument until the instrument feels warm to the touch. This will help prevent or minimize cracks especially at the upper joint, since this is the most critical point.
2. When you have warmed up the outside of the oboe, you can now play a few notes – low notes. This empowers the air to travel the distance down the instrument.
3. Keep a humidifier in your case. This is very important because exposing your oboe to too much humidity (moisture in the air) can cause cracks to develop on your instrument. The humidifier will help you to control how much of humidity is released into the oboe.
4. Swab out the oboe after playing. It is crucial to evacuate moisture in the instrument after playing. Make sure you take any moisture out of the tone openings and octave vents if you hear any bubbling sound.
Finally, try not to warm up your instrument by blowing hot or damp air into the top joint. Warm it under your arm or in your grasp.
Michael Aamoth is the President of Midwest Musical Imports; a business that deals with importing of oboes, bassoons, flutes, clarinets, and other musical accessories. He is also a member of North American Music Merchants (NAMM) and International Double Reed Society (IDRS). His areas of interest include; reading, social issues, scuba diving, skydiving, and environmental issues.
Mike Aamoth - Tips for Music Instructors Teaching Students
Mike Aamoth is an experienced oboist, and he is also an experienced instructor who has taught the instrument at the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin, and Bethel College. He enjoys being able to teach younger generations the instrument he plays the most, and inspiring others to form a love for it as well. Here are some important tips to remember if you’re an oboe teacher looking to inspire your students, and teach them the correct way.
“I believe it is important to have the lesson time be relatively short, thirty minutes, but frequent, once or twice a week, in the beginning so that the student is not overwhelmed by too much information,” Aamoth says.
Keeping the lesson time short, but it’s frequency high will help the student be able to digest bits of information in a much faster amount of time, and the information will stay fresh for the next lesson. In the beginning, the basics will be taught separately, but be brought together at the end, so it’s important that the student keeps the information fresh in his or her mind.
It is also important when you’re teach music to students that you adjust accordingly to each student. All students of music are going to learn their specific instruments in different ways. For example, some students learn better when they are explained techniques and then told to follow instructions on their own. However, some students need techniques shown to them on the instrument itself in order to truly grasp the right concepts from a lesson. Make sure you’re willing to adjust depending on the learning style of each student.
Finally, try to instill the value of patience in your student. Learning and instrument takes time, and it will be especially difficult for your student to stay interested at the beginning. There is a great deal that must be taught for all instruments before you really begin to play, and it is important that enough time is devoted these beginning lessons for the sake of the student.
Mike Aamoth knows what it takes to teach students, and has been teaching younger generations how to play the oboe for years. He instructs his students with patience, desire, curiosity, and dedication, and he knows not all of his students are going to learn the same way.
Mike Aamoth - A Few Tips to Become a Better Scuba Diver
Mike Aamoth is a professional oboist who has been playing the instrument for several years. He has performed with a number of major orchestras, and has appeared on the stages of famous concert halls across Europe. He is also a successful business owner who opened a repair, rental, and import music shop called Midwest Musical Imports in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Mike Aamoth spends most of his time teaching students, growing his business, and honing his skills on the oboe, but he also has interest in another activity: scuba diving. He has been diving for a number of years, and is a proud member of the NAUI, which is a major scuba diving organization. Diving can be a risky activity to pursue if you don’t have the experience or training. Here are some tips to get better and stay safe.
First, always check your gear before going out on a dive. It is important that you check all of your gear before getting into the water so you ensure your safety, and the safety of the other divers you’re with. This is also a good opportunity to work on the buddy-check system, and make sure other divers’ gear is safe as well. Checking your gear thoroughly means that you also have to have an in depth knowledge of the gear you’re using; never go on a dive with gear you don’t understand fully, or haven’t used in a safe setting.
Second, make sure you have your dive planned out methodically. It doesn’t matter how much experience you or your partner has; if you’re going out on a dive, make sure you have a plan, and make sure you keep to the plan when you dive. It is important that you always agree on a maximum depth, as well as a total time for your dive before jumping in. This is a good time to go over emergency procedures and lost diver protocols as well because they will differ from dive site to dive site.
Third, practice never holding your breath while diving. Holding your breath during a dive can cause serious injury because the air in your lungs will contract as you dive, but expand as you come back up to the surface. By breathing continuously, the excess air is able to escape like normal, and this won’t be a problem as you dive. In some cases, over pressurization can occur, which will cause bubbles to enter your bloodstream and chest cavity.
Mike Aamoth always takes the proper precautions when he dives, and he knows that by doing so, he will become a better diver. He works hard in order to make sure he dives the right way, the safe way, and so that his partners will do the same. Never dive alone, and always be safe in the water.
Mike Aamoth - Useful Tips for Operating a Business
Mike Aamoth is an accomplished musician who has worked hard for the sake of his career as an oboist. He has performed with a number of orchestras, and he even operates his own music business called Midwest Musical Imports. He understands how operate a successful business; here are some tips for other business owners to do the same.
When you’re operating a business, you want to make sure you hire the people who are going to support it the way you want it supported. Hiring employees for your business may seem like a simple task relative to your other responsibilities, but it is an essential part of the process. Hire the employees you know you can trust to work hard, be passionate, and most of all, helpful to the customer.
As a business owner, you also need to pay attention to the customer. Make sure you’re willing to understand your clientele so that you can begin to anticipate their needs. Not so much on an individual basis, but on a large scale with regards to the latest trends in the industry. If you notice a change in the needs of the customers, be willing to adapt for the sake of further growth.
If you want to be truly successful, you have to understand your industry. Make sure you’re keeping up to date on the customer trends, industry trends, and what your competition is doing. If a competitor is doing something new that’s gaining traction, learn how to do it better.
Mike Aamoth is a successful business owner because he understands what it takes to operate his company.
Mike Aamoth - Safety Reminders for Scuba Divers
Always remember to breath when on a dive. When you stop breathing while on a dive, you’re keeping your lungs from being able to adapt to the changes in pressure. When you swim to the surface, the air in your lungs expands, which can cause serious injury if you’re holding your breath. You need to let that excess air in your lungs out to avoid damage.
Remember to check your gear before diving. Even if you know you checked your gear for issues earlier, check it again. This is also a good opportunity for you to check your partner’s gear as well so that everyone’s safety is ensured when they get in the water. This means you need to have an intimate knowledge of the gear you’re using as well.
Don’t dive beyond your level. Although certain locations may be tempting to dive in, make sure you’re always comfortable and never going beyond your limits. Keep diving fun, and avoid making it scary or too challenging by doing too much too soon.
Mike Aamoth always takes the necessary precautions before he dives into the water, and he is also a member of the NAUI, which is major scuba diving organization.