Start with These Featured Posts
Making your own bassoon reeds can be daunting. But, with this simple 5 step process, you'll be able to craft your own reeds in no time. This blog post describes a 5-step process for making bassoon reeds, including using high-quality GSP cane and Sakakeeny-style forming pins. The post also discusses the benefits and challenges of making your own reeds and provides a list of essential supplies needed.
I’ve rounded up 36 of my favorite bassoon gifts on Amazon including supplies, apparel, music, albums, reed tools, and stocking stuffers to help you find the perfect gift for your bassoonist.
Reading tenor clef on the bassoon doesn’t have to be difficult forever! I promise that with some smart strategies you will be reading tenor clef just as well as you can read bass clef. First, we’ll cover what tenor clef is and why we use it, then I have a few easy practice strategies for you to try on your own.
Etude and method books are incredible tools for learning to play the bassoon. Here is a teacher-approved list of essential bassoon method and etude books for beginner, intermediate, and advanced bassoonists.
It can be hard to find information on how to start teaching private music lessons. I made quite a few mistakes as a new music teacher. These are the essential lessons I learned in 10+ years of teaching private music lessons.
Bassoon maintenance guide with quick tips for cleaning your bassoon and an easy daily, quarterly, and annual maintenance checklist. Avoid major bassoon repairs and ensure your bassoon plays effortlessly.
If your bassoon isn't working, here is a quick method for diagnosing problems in just a few steps.
A variety of fun gift ideas for bassoonists including games, books, shirts, and unique holiday-themed presents!
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It’s Electric: The Amplified Bassoon
Create an electric bassoon sound using a special bocal and amplifier with this simple guide.
Improving Bassoon Tone with the Bocalphone
The "Bocalphone" is a fun name for the bassoon bocal and reed played together. It’s also a great tool for warming up, diagnosing problems, and developing a beautiful bassoon tone.
Can you guess the melody?
Hint: May the stars shine down on you...
Pro-tip: Use the pinky F-sharp fingering to ensure a smooth transition between B-flat and F-sharp.
Hint: Paint my nails, cherry red, match the roses that you left.
Pro-tip: Flick and use focused, fast air to ensure the tenor register notes have good intonation and clear tone.
Hint: Sometimes family weirdos just get a bad rap.
Pro-tip: Use strong air support to encourage the notes above the staff to speak with good tone.
Hint: I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.
Pro-tip: Flick high A, B-flat, and C with the correct left-hand thumb keys to ensure those notes speak clearly with a good tone.
Hint: Every night I lie in bed. The brightest colours fill my head…
Pro Tip: Don’t rush this melody. Count your 8th notes carefully to make sure you hold the notes for the correct length.
Hint: Life here is amazing, just not for the faint of heart.
Pro-tip: Have fun with the grace notes in this piece. They give the melody a lot of character!
Hint: Let’s-a-go!
Pro-Tip: Watch your accidentals carefully in this piece! And don’t skip the repeat on the first line.