Blue Moon Bassoon Blog
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For Bassoonists
Learn about bassoon reed-making, repertoire, technique, and instrument care.
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For Parents
Browse helpful tips and resources so you can support your kids on their bassoon journey.
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For Teachers
Develop great bassoonists and get expert advice on running a private studio.
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!
Special Bassoon Techniques: How and When to Teach Them
The bassoon requires specific techniques to improve the sound and tone quality of certain unique notes. Here are some tips for teaching Half-Holing, Voicing, Flicking, and Vibrato.
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.
For Parents
Treat your Valentine to something special with these 10 delightful bassoon gifts! This article lists ten unique and creative bassoon-inspired gifts for Valentine's Day, ranging from apparel and jewelry to perfume and artwork.
Etsy has a ton of unique bassoon gifts ranging from handmade reeds and tools to beautiful sculptures, paintings, jewelry and more. These creative gifts are truly one-of-a-kind and are sure to make your bassoonist smile. Check out the list of double reed shops on Etsy and browse 15 of the most creative bassoon gifts.
If you’re looking for a unique gift or quality bassoon reeds and supplies, check out some of the folks listed here. This guide includes links to individual reed makers and small double reed suppliers.
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.
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.
For the bassoonist who already has the essentials, I’ve gathered a few quality, luxury bassoon gift ideas.
A variety of fun gift ideas for bassoonists including games, books, shirts, and unique holiday-themed presents!
Bassoon supplies can be expensive, but I’ve rounded up an affordable selection of fun, useful gifts under $15!
It might not seem like there is a lot of great bassoon content out there, but you just have to know where to look! Check out some of my favorite apps, channels, podcasts, books, and more.
Most problems with the bassoon are easy to troubleshoot if you know where to begin. Here is a guide on emergency bassoon repairs you can safely do at home.
A Beginner's Guide to Learning the Bassoon. Everything you need to know about starting off right on the bassoon, including required supplies, how to practice, and how to play your first notes on the bassoon.
A complete guide for bassoonists to help you select a marching band instrument and prepare for high-school band.
Want to get started adjusting or making your own bassoon reeds? Find great bassoon reed-making tools ranging from affordable and easy to find to expensive, specialty tools for professionals.
There are so many great places to buy bassoon supplies, reeds, tools, and cane online from businesses large and small. Here are a few of my favorites.
For Teachers
Treat your Valentine to something special with these 10 delightful bassoon gifts! This article lists ten unique and creative bassoon-inspired gifts for Valentine's Day, ranging from apparel and jewelry to perfume and artwork.
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.
Find the perfect bassoon solo for you! Here are my favorite fun solo pieces for beginners through early intermediate bassoonists.
Find the perfect bassoon piece for a solo competition or recital program. Here are my recommendations for an intermediate or advanced bassoon solo.
If your bassoon isn't working, here is a quick method for diagnosing problems in just a few steps.
I began teaching bassoon lessons professionally in 2012 and went full-time in 2014. Here are some of the highlights from my teaching career!
How burnout led me to quit teaching private music lessons after 10+ years. Here’s what I loved about teaching, why I left, and what I’m doing next.
It might not seem like there is a lot of great bassoon content out there, but you just have to know where to look! Check out some of my favorite apps, channels, podcasts, books, and more.
Tips and resources for running an organized, professional private music studio with free downloadable templates.
Enjoy these Halloween-themed bassoon videos, performances, and songs to help you celebrate the spooky season!
Create an electric bassoon sound using a special bocal and amplifier with this simple guide.
Most problems with the bassoon are easy to troubleshoot if you know where to begin. Here is a guide on emergency bassoon repairs you can safely do at home.
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.
A complete guide for bassoonists to help you select a marching band instrument and prepare for high-school band.
Want to get started adjusting or making your own bassoon reeds? Find great bassoon reed-making tools ranging from affordable and easy to find to expensive, specialty tools for professionals.
Looking for videos that showcase all of the unique things about the bassoon? Here are a few of my favorite fun bassoon videos featuring skits, animations, and more.
There are so many great places to buy bassoon supplies, reeds, tools, and cane online from businesses large and small. Here are a few of my favorites.
There are five elements of a great bassoon sound. Each of these elements contributes something different to your tone production and must be kept in balance to create a beautiful sound.
The bassoon requires specific techniques to improve the sound and tone quality of certain unique notes. Here are some tips for teaching Half-Holing, Voicing, Flicking, and Vibrato.
Learn the best bassoon fingerings for tricky notes, special fingering techniques, and fingerings to avoid.
Teach your bassoon students good habits right from the start. Avoid issues with bassoon posture, instrument assembly, reed care, supplies, and fingerings, and build a strong foundation for your beginning bassoonist.
Great bassoonists can be hard to find. Discovering students who are a good fit for the bassoon is one of the best ways to retain band students long-term and ensure they have a good playing experience.