From first notes to reed making, Man Ichihara engagingly addresses dozens of issues and concepts about this enigmatic instrument. He presents his ideas in careful detail and reinforces points with memorable examples and anecdotes, consistently stressing the importance of a pursuing an ideal, secure tone quality from the start.His personal stories and motivations reflect his deep and practical affection for the oboe. He effectively shares a sense of comfort and ownership with an instrument he insists is not a challenge, but rather a pleasure to study.