Charles Bailey, Instructor
Level I
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
Skills
- Introduction to Reed making
Technique
- All Major and minor scales 2 and 3 octaves
- Duple and triple patterns
- Chromatic scale, entire range
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