Who Should Play Bassoon?

[@aridvorakcomposer]

Thank you for making these online resources! As an adult beginner with a flexible time schedule, it is complicated for me to get lessons from a teacher - also considering that there aren't many bassoon teachers in my area and I would have to travel a lot. It is truly priceless to have learning material available online and I am very grateful for that!

[@RCheng-yw5uv]

Hi Terry, i was your student back in Hong Kong in late 1980s. My name is R. Cheng and you helped me to pick my first Kolert Bassoon. You taught me how to play, fingerings and reed making. Am now living in Toronto and I still play that instrument. Its good to see you again in KZbin and to know that you are still teaching Bassoon playing!

[@DwainRichardson]

Well, Mr. Ewell, you’d be delighted to know that I’ve been playing the bassoon for nearly a year. (My high school dream has finally become a reality at the end of my thirties.) It’s such a wonderful instrument! I acknowledge that many challenges still await me, but I’m happy to have landed my first bassoon gig just before Christmas. Indeed, we bassoonists are few and far between. I’m looking forward to more bassoon playing as a new year is about to begin. Thanks for posting this video! (-:

[@terryewell4726]

Congratulations on your success, Dwain!

[@ViZ_FFA]

Mr. Ewell, I MUST thank you for putting out these videos. Particularly the ones about 15 years ago! I watched your videos for about 3 months while my bassoon was being ordered. When my Fox Renard 222 arrived, I immediately began putting all of your tips and tricks to work. After only 3 months of playing, at an 8th grade level, I made 1st band 1st chair at my local Arkansas All-Region Tryouts. KZbin is a wonderful format that allowed you to inspire me, and for that I am grateful!!! I hope you are doing well.

[@terryewell4726]

Thank you for the kind words! I am so happy that you gained much from the videos.

[@NielsMårup]

Great video! I love your enthusiasm for bringing this instrument to a bigger audience. I am a saxophonist/clarinetist and I have just come in possession of a bassoon, and I find the bassoon community is unique and welcoming. Thank you for doing your part!

[@trainliker100]

Some trivia: With the exception of some bass clarinets, the bassoon is the only standard instrument in any of the orchestra sections that requires all ten fingers to operate.

[@seandemhairr4572]

And some soprano clarinets

[@trainliker100]

@@seandemhairr4572 Good catch. True. But the instrument is not often used and not particularly mainstream. But it is not totally all that rarely used, either.

[@blackmetalgran7279]

I especially appreciate the statement about a forgiving embouchre. My underbite kept my jr. high band director from allowing me to play bassoon. In high school another bassoon player was needed, so I just did it. I loved it. I played in college as well. The last year that I played in college, I switched back to my flute. My studies got more demanding. As a possible consideration for a bassoon player, although I loved it, conpared to playing flute, playing the bassoon is more like physical work. To me it was. I needed more time to learn my bassoon parts as well. My director was disappointed, but could no longer manage it. Another consideration is the weight. I used a seat strap. I played before innovations in cases. It was heavy to carry home walking to practice. 😊

[@michaelshelley1289]

I play all of the instruments (except trombone....i know HOW to play it, just don't know what note i'm playing) and the instrument i taught myself all on my own to play was the wonderful bassoon!!! It was tough (not blowing it, fingering it) all those keys!!! lol but i managed to get through it and i absolutely loved it!!!! I since sold the instrument unfortunately....wish i had it back....but i hope someone is enjoying it......the only reason i bought it was to learn it as i didn't know how to play it.....if i still had it i could be playing it now in the groups that i am in. but for now i'll stick to the baritone and trumpet i guess.....or the clarinet/oboe.....

[@madisonmorris6371]

That's an interesting bocal, why is it like that?

[@seandemhairr4572]

It looks like a second crook/whisper key Kristian oma Rønnes has a video on it

[@reillyminer2514]

Why does your bocal have an octave key?

[@trainliker100]

If you would like to spend a lot of time making a perfectly performing double reed, and then destroy it, the bassoon is for you. It acts as a sort of large lever that swings the reed toward your face when you bring it to playing position. And that is ideal for smashing the double reed against your teeth.