How to clean out octave keys, and strategies to prevent blockages in the first place.
Are you having trouble getting your first and second octave key notes to work? It could be that your tone holes are full of water or sticky deposits.
How to oil your oboe to help prevent cracking
If you have a wooden oboe, it is a good idea to oil it to keep the wood from drying out and cracking. Use sweet almond oil, or commercially available bore oil. But be careful not to apply too much, and protect the pads of your keys.