<p>My daughter also started playing oboe fairly late (she played clarinet from 4th to 8th grade, but never had private lessons) and still managed to get into some good music schools. Though she had a few lessons the summer before 8th grade, she didn’t start regular private oboe lessons until the middle of 8th grade, just before her 14th birthday. And she didn’t practice lengthy hours at first. In 11th and 12th grades, she probably averaged about 2 hours per day (beyond rehearsal times) and tried to fit in an hour of reed making when possible.</p>
<p>How did she do it? First, she had some raw natural talent - nice tone, good intonation, strong sense of rhythm, and she learned quickly. She’s also very competitive by nature, so she pushes herself to do more than is required. Second, a local youth orchestra during the year (she started in 9th grade) and residential summer music programs starting after 9th grade. Third, Interlochen starting in 11th grade. Here she found a good teacher, talented peers, good performing opportunities, and a strong academic environment that supports students’ interests in the arts, all in one place. It may be possible to put these elements together on your own, but this is what worked best for us. Fourth, supplemental lessons. We started doing this on our own, but also when she was looking at college-level programs and teachers. She learned alot through these extra lessons.</p>
<p>In 9th and 10th grades, she had other ECs, including sports (volleyball - the hands!!) and drama, but by 11th grade, she had to make some hard choices. She continues to have interests outside of music and she has a social life, but she recognizes that the oboe is a very demanding instrument. We take everything one year at a time. She sets yearly, achievable goals for herself, works hard to reach them, and has back-up plans.</p>
<p>Of course, all of this cost more money than I ever imagined in the beginning, but we go just one step at a time.</p>
<p>So I believe it may be possible to achieve your goal. Good luck, and explore all of your options. Don’t worry too much now about possible outcomes. Just follow your passions. Only my two cents…</p>