May 19 - 23, 2010

The gouge affects the overall stability of the reed as well as its response, timbre, dynamic flexibility and tip opening; and it is greatly influenced by changes in climate, altitude and humidity. A gouge that works well in one locality may not work at all in another. The gouge is one of the most important and least understood aspects of oboe reed making. Through the ProGouge Seminar, participants will learn about how the gouge works. Each participant will assemble and “set-up” a Jeanné gouging machine under the supervision of the seminar instructors. Through this activity, it is hoped that fears will be conquered and mysteries solved. The total cost of the Jeanné gouging kit and the seminar is less than what one would normally pay for a machine that is “pre-set”. Each participant will have a new gouging machine along with the knowledge and understanding to gain control of the gouge.

All classes will be held in Snyder Hall on the campus of Michigan State University. The class will be limited to a maximum of 25 participants. Payment of the tuition fee is required to hold a spot in the class. Dorm room and meal plan must be paid by April 23. No refunds of tuition and/or room and meal plan will be given after April 23, 2010. A gouging machine kit (either oboe or English horn) must be purchased by April 23. Any subsequent cancelled orders for gouging machine kits are subject to a 10% re-stocking fee. The kits will be shipped to Michigan State University and available at the first seminar class.

We recommend that participants take advantage of the housing and meal plan on campus for easy access between classes. The meal plan includes 3 meals/day, beginning with dinner on the 19th and ending with breakfast on the 23rd. Parking will be available at Snyder Hall for those purchasing the plan.

Participants electing not to purchase the on campus housing/meal plan may purchase meals at Snyder Hall or local restaurants within walking distance. Several hotels are within a short driving distance.

Registration can be completed by selecting "Tuition" item listed below. The other items, including the room and meal plan as well as the gouging machine kits and any other related items needed for the class, can be purchased at any time until April 23, 2010. Click on item number to view more details.

The ProGouge Seminar brochure may be printed using the free, Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® software. If you do not have this software, it can be downloaded by clicking the "Get Adobe Reader" icon:



Click ProGouge Brochure to download and print.