Finding Great Bassoonists: How to Recruit New Students for Your Band or Private Studio
Great bassoonists can be hard to find but these tips will help you find good candidates who will go on to be wonderful players! Finding students who are a good fit for the bassoon is one of the best ways to retain students long-term.
✨ The "Ideal" Bassoonist
Great bassoonists are usually curious, resourceful, diligent, and flexible. I like to say playing the bassoon is like a science experiment. You have to be willing to try a lot of things and figure out what works - then do it over and over again to see if you can get the same results. You have to be patient enough to keep trying and curious enough to want to learn more even when it's challenging or the bassoon is making odd sounds.
Students who like the idea of being in a small class and aren't already busy with tons of other extracurricular activities (especially too many sports) are often the best fit.
When I was 12, I chose the bassoon because I liked the idea of doing something "unique" and being in a class with just a few people since I often got bored in bigger classes that moved more slowly. I loved the extra playing time and fast-paced environment of a smaller class and I really enjoyed the challenge of figuring out how to make a beautiful sound.
Since there aren’t many of us, bassoonists are also usually comfortable working independently and trying things out on their own. New bassoonists need a lot of support and encouragement to avoid burning out or falling behind, so it's important that parents understand the commitment to purchasing reeds regularly, enrolling in private lessons, and making time for practice at home. These are essential for success on the bassoon, perhaps more so than most instruments.
Students who have siblings in the band are great candidates, as their families often have a better idea of the importance of lessons, at-home practice, and attending rehearsals.
Ultimately, the most important quality in a bassoonist is that they are genuinely excited about learning the bassoon and enjoy the way it sounds and feels. If they are having a great time, they will be able to weather the difficulties and push themselves to improve and learn new things.
🤝🏼 Meeting Prospective Bassoonists
Many schools will send current band students or teachers to the Elementary School Music Programs in the Spring for mini-concerts. This is a great way to let the prospective students see and hear the instruments up close.
If possible, try to provide as many opportunities for the prospective band students to hear the instruments as possible, whether through run-out concerts, pep rallies, or inviting the Elementary students to attend band concerts or a special band elective introduction night with the parents.
Fun Repertoire for Playing Demonstrations
Since the bassoon can be a novelty to many people, I try to select repertoire that is recognizable so they can immediately connect with the instrument while showcasing the beauty and depth of the bassoon sound. I feel that the bassoon offers a great range of notes and characters which can sometimes be overlooked. Select music that shows diverse styles, ranges, and expressions.
I often like to start the demonstration by explaining that the bassoon is a double reed, then playing the reed by itself which often gets a giggle from the crowd. Then I like to demonstrate the range by playing the lowest note on the bassoon (and sometimes having a student put their hand over the bell to show that is where the air is coming out). Then I proceed with playing a couple of short selections of music such as:
🏫 Instrument Trials
When testing students on bassoon, I am primarily concerned with how much interest they show and their flexibility and attentiveness. I want to know that they are willing to try things out, evaluate themselves and try again even if it didn't work the first time.
Almost anyone can form a bassoon embouchure and blow enough air to make a noise. In addition, unless their hands are truly very small, they will probably grow into the bassoon fairly quickly.
It is worth letting the student know what your expectations are regarding lessons, practicing at home, and attending rehearsals. This gives you insight into whether that sounds appealing or overwhelming to them. The best candidates will rise to the challenge and say they think they can handle it.
Play Games & What to Test
Play on the reed + bocal: I prefer to focus on matching pitch on the reed, then play the reed and bocal together. I like to play games to see if they can hear if the note is higher or lower and match my sounds.
Evaluate motor skills: You might try tapping rhythms with fingers or other games to see how advanced their motor skills are. Bassoon will require a lot of complex finger movements, so if that seems overwhelming now, imagine adding 9 thumb keys to the mix!
Let them try the bassoon: If you have time to let them actually try the instrument, it can really get some kids excited! Others might be overwhelmed by the instrument's size or weight, which is good to know too. Play some notes for them if you can. Students who say they love the sound often pick bassoon since it's so unique.
Talk to Their Parents or Guardians
It is equally important to talk with the parent(s) or guardian(s) to make sure they're invested in having a student in the band. This new bassoonist will need reeds, lessons, time to practice at home, and a way to get their bassoon home every day. Those things don't happen if the parents aren't involved.
In addition, this is a great time to discuss the fact that since there are so few bassoonists, it really is a long-term decision, and the student should plan on being in the band for at least 2-3 years if not longer. If they are more interested in just "trying it out" for a year, I would highly recommend a different placement.
🌟 Pro Tips
Reach prospective students while they’re still in elementary school with instrument demonstrations, invitations to band concerts, and instrument petting zoos in collaboration with the elementary music teachers.
Select repertoire for demonstrations that showcases the bassoon’s sound, range, and character such as Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Hedwig’s Theme. If they love the sound, they will love learning the instrument.
Find students who enjoy school or perhaps hobbies like coding, gaming, and puzzles. Students who enjoy challenging themselves and learning new things will have a great time with the bassoon.
Patience and curiosity are most important. Instrument trials should focus on uncovering the character of the student and evaluating their physical connection with the instrument.
Make expectations clear to new bassoon parents to ensure a good fit. Offer support if needed!
Let students know you have limited space in the class.
Your best band parents are great resources for finding new bassoon students.
🔍 Where to Find Them
So where are all these great bassoonists hiding? As I mentioned, the siblings of your best band students are a great place to start. If you can, talk to your Elementary Music Teachers and find out which students are the most eager to learn, patient and curious.
Make an effort to have your current bassoonists meet or perform for the younger kids. Most elementary school students don't even know what a bassoon is! Share some fun bassoon videos for the teacher to use in class, or arrange to have your students demo the bassoon for them.
Your best Bassoon Candidates
Siblings of your strongest band students, children of your most engaged band parents
Students who already play another instrument
Students who enjoy learning and make consistent grades
Students who know they want to be in the band for more than one year
Students recommended by your Elementary Music Teachers
Students who are excited about the bassoon and up for a challenge
Looking for a great book to start your new bassoonists off on the right foot? Check out the #BassoonGoals: Getting Started Workbook. Warm-ups, exercises, and easy songs are included along with a detailed guide to caring for the bassoon and a fingering chart with all bassoon parts and keys labeled.
