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Bassoon Lessons
Learn to play the Bassoon.
The bassoon dates back to artistic representations
made in the 17th Century although little is known about its early
development and only a few early examples
survive.
The instrument is usually played for music written in tenor and bass registers.
The bassoon is a non-transposing instrument and is acknowledged for its wide
range, character variety, agility and distinctive colour of tone. Its reedy
dark and warm timbre is often compared to the male baritone voice. It is a
complicated instrument to play and a difficult one to learn thus young
children are normally first introduced to the clarinet, the saxophone or the flute
before graduating to the bassoon.
When playing the bassoon, the player holds it diagonally across their chest.
It should either be supported by a neck-strap (alternatively a shoulder harness
that is connected to the boot joint's top) or a seat belt that is linked
to the boot joint base and laid across a chair before sitting down. In some
occasions a spike like the ones in the bass clarinet or the cello is
connected to the boot joint's bottom and the instrument can then be
supported by the ground. It is also
possible for a player to play the bassoon while standing using a neckband or
other suitable harness.
For a serious learner, it is good idea to start with lessons from a teacher. It is
important to hear in person how it properly sounds and see the way to hold
the instrument. A teacher will also provide material, inspiration and guidance. Learn
and get familiar with holding and placing the fingers and knowing which of
the many keys is played with which finger. Since the instrument is
expensive, see if your tutor has a spare instrument you can play for the
first few lessons - then go out and buy your own.
Each
individual type of reed is different and affects the sound quality made. The best
person to explain this is a teacher or an experienced player. The fingering is complex and
is effectively 'blind'. A beginner will frequently cover the wrong holes or
end up getting their fingers crossed. Patience and determination are
important - the end result is worth it.
The
Heckel-system type of bassoon is usually played with both hands in a
fixed pose, with the left being over the right hand. The five finger holes
are on the face of the bassoon and a sixth one on the back. An open-standing
note normally turns it on. There are five additional front keys which are
managed by each of the hands' little fingers. The reverse of the bassoon has
twelve keys played by the thumbs. The precise number of these keys usually
depends on the model.
Playing styles for bassoonists do vary greatly. Most advanced players
therefore prefer making their own reeds to customize their individual
playing requirements. Beginners should buy pre-made reeds.
It is important that the player knows how to make
adjustments to suit his/her personal style of playing. The bassoon is more
sensitive than most instruments thus requires good care and maintenance. A
little dedication is all that is required when learning how to play the
bassoon.
Other Instruments
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Bassoon lessons.
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Bassoon tutor.
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Bassoon Lessons
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