Student Resources!

Youtube Videos: All-Region Etudes, Techniques, Fundamentals!

Developing Your Ear 

Bassoon Fingering Chart

Contrabassoon Fingering Chart (coming soon!)

Recommended Reed Sources

Link to All-Region Audition Music (5A, 6A)

Developing Your Ear

     -I recommend listening to recordings of professional musicians and ensembles to develop your concept of sound, phrasing, and intonation.  To hear recordings of my playing, please visit "Recordings."  There are many excellent recordings available on Youtube, here are some recommendations to get you started: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHdu7meKk00 (Klaus Thunemann)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70zDdwJVxO8&start_radio=1&list=RDEM3S0DTPF6rQsiofi49_VYlA (Dag Jensen)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CHCD5O3W54 (Sophie Dartigalongue)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z07uK6nZFcY&t=104s (Rie Koyama)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym3JVzD_1Q8&t=1123s (Ole Kristian Dahl)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUq28OdCM10 (Karen Geoghegan)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_eduvUMKe8 (Sergio Azzolini)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpgzNJJ8GsM(Richard Ranti)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkXX3V4XWBg (William Ludwig)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPmwA0fKvLU (Maurice Allard, French Bassoon)

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Please click the following link to the TMEA All-Region Etudes page. This page includes the etude names as well as special performance instructions (tempo, dynamics, etc).

https://www.tmea.org/divisions-regions/band/audition-material/etudes

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     Storebought Reeds:  The advantages to storebought reeds are that they are easily attainable and will last longer than handmade reeds.  I recommend medium or medium-hard reeds (NOT medium-soft).

     Handmade Reeds:  Technically, all reeds are hand-made.  Some are much higher quality than others, and we all have different tastes.  Here are two reed brands I recommend ordering online:

          1)  Brundage Bassoon Reeds:  http://www.singindog.com/products/detail/default.aspx?id=25&area=BR

          2)  Sarah Highland (Intermediate Level Reeds):  https://www.thereedlab.com/products/p/bassoon-reed-intermediate

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Syllabi: College

-Click on each Syllabus title listed below to open a printable copy!

ACU Lessons Syllabus

Collin College Lessons Syllabus

ACU Methods Syllabus—Bassoon Subsection

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Reedmaking Supplies List (click heading to open printable list)

-I am listing a few of my preferred suppliers below. These suppliers all specialize in equipment for double reeds, and therefore should have listed inventory in stock! Because they are specialists, you can also call them and ask questions about their inventory—you will get honest, helpful answers!

Midwest Musical Imports

Forrest Music

Miller Marketing Company

Charles Double Reeds

Trevco-Varner Music

River City Reeds

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Click on the links below to be redirected to the home page of the listed organization. Some of these websites (TMEA, TBA) are specifically intended for college students, but others can be equally helpful for high school and even middle school students!

International Double Reed Society

-This is an organization specifically for oboists and bassoonists. Anyone can search their database; serious students should consider joining under a student membership. The IDRS hosts an annual floating conference (last year was in Colorado, next year is Thailand, several previous conferences in the U. S.) and the Fox-Gillet Competition, the premiere solo competition for oboists and bassoonists.

TMEA Conference Info (click conference title for link)

-The Texas Music Educators Association Conference is a major cultural event that takes place each February in San Antonio. Attending TMEA is an excellent idea for college students; in addition to the masterclasses and vendors available, TMEA is an excellent networking opportunity. There are also many booths set up with representatives from colleges all over the country, allowing you some basic exposure to possible graduate programs. All-State performances take place at TMEA each year.

TBA Convention Info

-The Texas Bandmasters Association Conference is held each summer in San Antonio. It is similar to TMEA, but a little shorter and smaller. TBA coincides with Conferences for Orchestra and Choir directors.

Midwest Conference

-The Midwest Conference is held each December in Chicago. Presentations and performances focus on higher education (college).

CBDNA

-The College Band Directors National Association is another important organization to be aware of, especially for students considering a career in conducting.

The Orchestral Bassoonist:

-This is an excellent resource for preparing orchestral excerpts, run and authored by Brett van Gansbeke, DMA.

Musical Chairs

-Musical chairs offers a partial listing of teaching and orchestral positions as they become available. Musical chairs includes many international as well as regional and national listings.

The Musicians Union

-Membership in the Musicians Union is vital to the protection of the music industry. The Union works to protect musicians rights; enforcing wage guidelines, working conditions, and offering insurance. Any student considering a future as a performer (even part-time) is strongly encouraged to join!

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