Bassoon Curriculum

Charles Bailey, Instructor

LEVEL I

Suggested Methods:

  • Weissenborn, Method for Bassoon

Sample Solos:

  • Lydon Hilling, ed., First Book of Bassoon Solos

Skills:

  • Forming and developing the correct embouchure
  • Introduction to correct posture, breathing, Tone production
  • Introduction to basic articulations (tonguing, slur, staccato, accent)
  • General maintenance and operation of the instrument

Technique:

  • Major and minor scales as introduced by Weissenborn
  • Scales – C, Bb, F, G, D major
  • Range: 1 octave

LEVEL II

Methods:

  • Weissenborn, Studies, Vol. 1, opus 8 (for beginners)
  • Continued Major and minor scales as introduced by Weissenborn

Sample Solos:

  • B. Garfield, Concert Album for Bassoon
  • Peter Wastall, Learn as you play Bassoon

Skills:

  • Continued emphasis on fundamentals of Level 1

Technique:

  • Continued Major and minor scales as introduced by Weissenborn
  • Scales – C, Bb, F, G, D major; C, D, G minor
  • Range: 2 octaves
  • Chromatic scale, 2 octaves

LEVEL III

Methods:

  • Weissenborn, Studies, Vol. 1, opus 8

Sample Solos:

  • Laszlo Hara, Music for Bassoon

Skills:

  • Continued emphasis on fundamentals

Technique:

  • All major scales; c, d, g, a minor
  • Range- 2 octaves
  • Varied articulations
  • Chromatic scale 2 ½ octaves

Level IV

Methods:

  • Completion of Weissenborn Method for Bassoon
  • Start Weissenborn Studies, Vol. 2

Sample Solos:

  • Galliard, 6 Sonatas for Bassoon
  • Ivan Phillips, arr., A Classical and Romantic Album

Skills:

  • Introduction to tenor clef

Technique:

  • Continued emphasis on Fundamentals
  • All Major and minor scales plus arpeggios
  • 2 and 3 octaves
  • Various articulations
  • Chromatic scale 3 octaves

LEVEL V: DIPLOMA LEVEL

Methods:

  • Milde, Studies in all Keys
  • Orifici, Melodic Studies

Sample Solos:

  • Telemann, Sonata in F minor

Technique:

  • All Major and minor scales 2 and 3 octaves
  • Duple and triple patterns
  • Chromatic scale, entire range

Skills:

  • Introduction to Reed making

Goals:

  • Audition for RPYO

LEVEL VI: HONORS DIPLOMA

  • Preparation for conservatory education
  • Preparations of a compelling college audition including three contrasting works

Methods:

  • Milde, Studies in all keys
  • Gambaro, 18 Etudes for Bassoon

Sample Solos:

  • Mozart, Bassoon Concerto in B flat
  • Gambaro, 18 Etudes for Bassoon

Skills:

  • Reed Making
  • Orchestral Excerpts

Performance:

  • Prepare a recital consisting of 3 contrasting works and styles, including 1 from memory

Goals:

  • Audition for RPYO
  • Possibly enter various competitions including: Eisenhart Young Artist Competition, Hochstein Recital Competition & Penfield Symphony Concerto Competition
  • Prepare for Honors Jury to be played in February of senior year