First Bassoon Lesson part 1 (revised)

[Gabby3642]

i shoud play the instruments to call on the engines in railroad in USA.

[tewelltube]

Sorry, there really isn't a cheap bassoon. Entry level bassoons typcally cost several thousand dollars.

[ultraintensegamer]

@tewelltube is orpheo a good brand? found one for about 1,800

[ultraintensegamer]

i really wanna play this instrument and how much is a "cheap bassoon" because i dont wanna spend too much money on one or should i just wait until high school to play it?

[tewelltube]

Moisture collects in the bassoons. 

[volix17990]

.... Why would a bassoon have water 'in' it?

[loco123976]

that oboe reed is just like a oboe reed and i advanced in oboe and french horn

[ichigosw1]

coul you put cork grease on the red string part? im used to a clarinet so im used to cork

[rileyrod]

@Thesaxoracle OMFG I'm a tenor sax who got switched to bassoon as well

[GingersnapsBrony]

@rileyrod I am as well. Although I switched myself.

[SweetlyDissonant]

When I go to put the "tenor joint" on the "boot joint", it keeps falling off, even though it is in the right position. Is it broken?

[Thesaxoracle]

i might be doubling on bassoon in a while. i currently play tenor saxophone which does have a loose mouth position (cant spell embeshure) any tips for learning bassoon after playing sax? (i am an honors band student and have been playing for two years but at a freshman/sophmore level)

[megaHipps]

what kind of bassoon reed do you suggest for a beginner

[TheIBassoon]

please please please make a video of you playing right of spring please

[CaseDL6]

OH MY GOSH THANK YOU SO MUCH! my band director gave me a bassoon as a "summer project" and i have been so clueless for so long. this is incredibly helpful!

[tewelltube]

You are welcome.

[toast4ssassin]

Whats the song in the beginning called?

[tewelltube]

This is the opening solo in Vivaldi's bassoon concerto in E minor.

[tewelltube]

It will depend upon where you live. Some music stores rent bassoons. Even the least expensive bassoon, however, can cost thousands of dollars. Some very cheap bassoons might be in poor repair and not worth the money.

[tewelltube]

You are right that bassoons are expensive. Hopefully your school will have one you can try before you decide to buy one.

[kittensjoy]

Is it hard to switch from the Oboe to Bassoon? please reply before september.

[tewelltube]

I don't think the switch is any more difficult that switching from flute or clarinet to bassoon

[TheOrangeCrush2010]

I play the alto and bari sax, and I started to play the bassoon for band. One issue I had was that the bassoon had one extra finger on the same line as the sax. It's hard to explain, but if you played the sax you know what I'm talking about.

[stellaisadumbski]

Hello! I play the trombone, and I really REALLY want to play the bassoon. Would you say it is difficult to go from "buzzing" to a reed? I can "crow" on the clarinet, if that helps. :)

[CatFlashBlue]

I have the hardest time getting the lowest notes (lowest B-flat thru the F above it) to sound in time, especially playing with orchestra. I just switched from store-bought reeds to hand-made ones from this specialty store. I have to say I liked the store bought, manufactured reeds much better. With this new one that's supposed to be medium hard, it feels like a soft reed! And whenever I play in the low range I have to play soft or it jumps up and octave. Is there anything I can do?

[FunkkyPanda]

Will switching from oboe-bassoon be hard?

[CatFlashBlue]

@FunkkyPanda Oboists get used to "pinching" to play in the high range, and eventually as their level matures they can relax as they play. Similar strategies are used with bassoon, however the mouth embouchure will have to re-learn a somewhat different technique. It won't be as hard as it was to first learn oboe, but it will definitely set you back. And it will slowly degrade your oboe skills. The fingering systems are similar, and your biggest setback there will be learning "half holes".

[midnightparadox]

Thank you for posting this. I'm a former bassoonist who is coming back to the bassoon after ten years, and I needed some review!

[littlered150]

Im going to start tomarrow..... I play the sax's, tuba, trombone, tuba, baritone, and (contra)bass clarinet.... i dnt think ill have trouble

[unoozer]

Try to ignore the price the bassoon is a really fun instrument to play. It also sounds really cool, and has that kind of soft yet boisterous tone In it. Oh ya the fingerings are different too.

[unoozer]

Well with the clarinet it will be different to switch to the bassoon. It as you probably know, is a treble clef instrument while the bassoon is a base clef. Also the position of the mouth (embouchure) is different from the clarinet to the bassoon. Not to mention that the bassoon is a whole lot more expensive. Around 20,000 to 40,000 dollars. But it is really fun and you should play it.

[AngelAKAespeongirl]

I am a Clarinet player and I am looking to playing the Bassoon and my dad disagrees,is there anything good by the change from Clarinet to Bassoon?

[coryblacck]

so how easy would it be to switch from the clarinet to the basson

[Emoanimefreak45]

Thanks. I just started bassoon today.

[altosaxophoneist203]

would bassoon be hard to swich to from bass clarinet? do they share same part in songs?

[tewelltube]

Bassoon and bass clarinet are both bass instruments. The fingering system is different than a bass clarinet, however.

[CatFlashBlue]

@altosaxophoneist203 Sometimes, more so in bands. Bass clarinets and bassoons are "chord-buddies" in bands, however you don't see as many bass clarinets in orchestras. Re-learning the embouchure will be the biggest difficulty. Bass clarinet is known for its huge mouth piece. Bassoon is somewhat the opposite. You have to learn to "pinch" the reed at first, and then eventually you will be able to play in a relaxed way.

[powerfire1212]

Thanks for the tutorial!

[Britbrit998]

My band director told me he wanted me to play the bassoon,so i have to go from the saxophone to bassoon...hopefully its not as complicated as i think ^.^

[tewelltube]

I hope you enjoy it.

[jazzsk8ter]

@Britbrit998 its not that complicated. my main instrument is the tenor saxophone and my band director told me to play bassoon. as long as you practice youll be fine. just watch the embouchure.

[tewelltube]

good luck.

[A1N0K39]

that must be a fox bassoon

i have the same one

[stagekid23]

Hello :) I am just starting bassoon, i have been playing clarinet for 8 years even though i am only 13. I am the only bassoonist in my school out of 500 kids, but this makes it really hard. I have no teacher or help from students. The bassoon i got came with a reed and it is kept in what you would keep prescribed pills in. Except for the case is filled with water. I was told to leave the reed in there unless i take it out to play. Is this correct?

[tewelltube]

Be careful that your reed doesn't mold. It is best to allow for the reeds to dry out.

[dymondegaly]

Do you know if they reed thread comes in different colours?

[tewelltube]

Yes, many colors. You can also use colored string for wrapping.

[dymondegaly]

@tewelltube Thanks :)

[rachakee]

I almost threw up after my teacher told me i had to use my tongue on the reed. He likes to use (test) my reed a lot. I will never be the same lolol

[TheApelayo]

im a basson student at my school but basson reed are expensive so i would recomend buying online on ebay since many companies who have overstocked

items (in my case reeds) are posted up and sold for as little as 20$ for a 10 pack of olivery soft reeds

[THEianstudios]

1

person has no soul

[1MusicLover09]

On some bassoons, the Tenor joint and Long Joint are attached together. My friend's bassoon is like that.

[linkguy30]

when i try to put the bassoon together, i cant seem to put them in because they're too tight

[tewelltube]

You might need to remove some thread or sand the cork. You could damage the bassoon if the joints are too tight.

[THEianstudios]

@linkguy30 it is a new bassoon put cork grease on it of it has corks

[rachakee]

@linkguy30 get some cork grease

[Kaslsd]

im starting bassoon as soon as my music teachers get reeds :). right now i play tuba :O

[KoolAidKristie]

awesome!! im thinking about playing bassoon, i orginally play flute

[savvyandskye]

Very helpful video! 

[Dogz37]

I'm starting the bassoon in 4 days! I'm SOOO ecited!

[hardtaco1000]

im a 8th grade student been playing a while, 2 years. i love bassoon. nice video!

[MrIchLiebeTokioHotel]

so on the bassoon i have...it doesnt show the notches you mentioned that show you where to correctly line up the joints...what should i use as a refrence to put my basson together in a good way...because almost everytime i play it...the joints dont feel right on my fingers when iplay...it makes playing a little difficult...please help me....great videos by the way :)

[MrIchLiebeTokioHotel]

@jamesrayle

yes! i did it very easily...but idk if it was really easy for me cuz i play almost every woodwind and brass instrument...except for oboe, tuba, and euphoneum....but idk its not that hard toswitch instruments...as long as you practice every day...cuz bassoon is by far the hardest i've learned...good luck !:)

[megamegan944]

AHH WHAT IF I CAN'T WISTLE!!!?!?!?!?? UNFAIR

[tobixcupcakes]

Im a Tuba player and a Bassoon player !1 lols

[onixcloud]

umm,...it was hard for me at first, but no not really .___." just gotta practice everyday,....seriously,...but bassoons FTW :D

[RaSouthgate]

It's not easy to switch to from anything. I play a lot of instruments (both woodwind and strings), and bassoon is by far the hardest. It's definitely a challenge, but I enjoy very much.

[janniebylynn1]

I have not played for 30 years. This video has been very helpful in retraining, thanks Terry!

[saxman1919]

Thanks professor. Great intro to bassoon. I'm a band director in my 10th year, but finally have bassoon players for the first time. This was a big help to them (and me).

[lennic95]

I'm at grade 8 oboe in england but i've always loved the bassoon... I just want to try it :(

[lennic95]

Success! I rented one today!!!!!

[felixsdanceworld2]

Interesting. In high school I played ALL brass and ALL woodwind except the bassoon and english horn.

[roller0coaster0gal]

your missing out, the bassoon is AMAZING!

should try it

[tflover1221]

ive been playing for about 5 days and im pretty good cuz of you Mr. Terry

[StefaniLynnK]

thank you soo much(: i just started today, but i have a concert in 3 weeks, and switched upon my directors request. (: its a very nice instrument. i am used to alto sax, thats what ive been playing for 4 years, so this is definitely a change ! :D lol, and i also play: tenor sax, baritone sax, trumpet, piano, violin, and now bassoon (: (( all those and alto sax))

[tflover1221]

i love the intro. whats the song?

[tewelltube]

Vivaldi Concerto in E minor, 1st movement, the opening to the bassoon solo. Terry

[tflover1221]

thanks

[steeler930]

i started about 2 months ago and our first concerts coming up

[Twilight0Princess]

omg,i am finnal able to play a bassoon.ANY HELP WILL BE TOOK.*passes out*

[Hcaz14]

im just starting bassoon this video helped me so much

[cheezthotdog123]

i have the same bassoon and case.lol

[12lilyanne12]

I would advise all new bassoonists to try and get a neck harness instead or a seat strap as until you get the proper posture, a seat strap can encourage slumping meaning you can use your diaphragm to project the air and so lose tone and tune. If you can get a harness, try playing stainding up and see the difference it makes. Good luck everyone.

[Pinkydolphin044]

your videos are really helpful and very clear and easy to understand. Thank you so much for posting up these videos. I play bassoon and i am just a beginner. I want to ask you if it is alright to move your jaw up and down when you are playing?

And my notes are very flat. How do i solve that problem? In my school band, students who play bassoons don have a proper tutor to teach us well. If you could, can you give some advice? I will really appreciate it :) I really want to be a pro bassoonist.:)

[mortson978]

what is the tune in the beginning?

[lilbill88]

haha

i have the same exact case

[SaxophoneProductions]

just a silly question, i notice in the musical introduction you use a wooden music stand. are there any benefits to wooden ones over metal or is it just a visual preference? also which one do you use?

[aditpshah]

wow, I have the same bassoon

[SaxophoneProductions]

lol you cant tell. considering he is a pro i can almost bet my life it's a higher end heckel or puchner

[SaxophoneProductions]

wait nvm i said this before i watched the video. it's a polyproyphelene fox bassoon. they project better than wood but dont sound as good but i want one!

[ge216584]

isn't the tenor joint sometimes called the wing joint?

[HigureHikaru]

I'm watching these because I want to learn the main stuff before I actually start bassoon. I play flute now and love it, but I also want to try a more unusual instrument just for fun. Thank you so much.

[froggiebassoon]

This is interesting I've been playing bassoon for 3 years but unfortunatly my bassoon isn't the greatest quality because it is a school instrument and i deffinatly want to play it in University

[DoubleBasschick2]

wow this is really helpful! My school needed a bassoonist for next school year and well here i am! i'm subscribing for sure =]

[tewelltube]

Thanks for your kind words.

[ericksoneric]

Nice job, now what about plastic v wood v pvc pipe?  price is always, sadly a consideration, what do you suggest as a good starter bassoon?

[tewelltube]

I don't feel it appropriate as former President of the IDRS to promote a single brand of bassoon in a public forum. I have so many friends and associates! Generally bassoons are priced by quality, with the most desired instruments commanding a higher price.

[hardtaco1000]

@tewelltube GO FOX BASSOONS!

[Kaiamara]

All I would like to say is, thank you for posting these lessons. They're very helpful for remembering the fundamentals.

[aviator11tkp]

oneof my band director helped me learn when i first started, i was lucky enough to have one, once you learn the basics you'll do the rest of the learning on your own. so don't fret if you don't have anyone helping you get the basics first and you'll be fine

[goopysoupmonkey]

i have played trombone for almost 3 years, and i want to play bassoon in concert band. would it be difficult to learn bassoon in 3 months on my own(my band director cant play one)

[pcachik]

yeah ... itll probally be a little hard. im learning to play bassoon and my band directer doesnt know how to play bassoon so im all on my own. itll probally be easier 4 you if you practice a lot. but i dont like carrying such a big case home every day. my flute was a lot lighter and a lot smaller. =)

[thebeeinbridge]

I know. I play clarinet, flute and trombone, and my bassoon case is the heaviest.

[audrreeyy]

i switched over the summer in between my sophmore and junior years in high school. it was frustrating and difficult, but i practiced really hard and i got really good, so its definitely possible. it might be difficult for you, switching from a brass instrument because obviously a woodwind instrument is very different and you'll have to deal with reeds. you probably would need at least some kind of teacher, unless your extremely dedicated and have a natural talent.

[goopysoupmonkey]

i am already playing and i have gotten really good. i learned a lot of fundamentals on my own over one weekend, but i played almost nonstop.

i am almost good enough to try out for all-county band, and i am really considering it.thank you all for your input, and i am really glad that i play bassoon now, it's awesome.

[Classicrock515]

I played oboe for 6 months and got easily winded by the back pressure, and always have been interested in bassoon, is the back pressure less harsh?

[tewelltube]

Yes, the back pressure on bassoon is considerably less than oboe

[goopysoupmonkey]

you have to know how to read bass clef though

[quintquintr]

Don't forget the tenor clef!

[alduflo]

hi, I've played violin for four years and I am pretty good and after listening to the bassoon solos in stravinsky's "firebird" i was inspired to take the instrument

anyway, do you think 6 months is enough to learn enough bassooon to play in a high school band?

thanks :)

[tewelltube]

I would say, "give it a try.!"

[alduflo]

Thanks I will, and thanks for your videos they really helped me to get started!

[goopysoupmonkey]

thats definitely enough time. i learned in a month for middle school band, and its great, but you might take a bit longer to learn if you don't know bass clef

[izzd08]

i have played bassoon for 1 year and i get tired realy fast.. do have any tips for me???

thanks =)

[tewelltube]

I suggest you increase the amount of time you practice each day a little at a time. For instance, you may try playing for 10 minutes the first day. Then add a minute each day. Young players should work up to about half an hour each practice session.

Also you may be playing on a reed that is too hard. This might be why you tire easily.

[m3xxikan]

well i play on a medium..

is that where i should be at right now??

[tewelltube]

As I suggested above, try increasing the time you spend each day. You might also try purchasing a reed made by a professional bassoonist. You will find that they work better.

[expertmax1]

I tried oboe one year, I was ok, and I did 8 years of clarinet in private school... Do you think bassoon will be okay for me ?

[tewelltube]

Sure, give it a try!

[DarkstarDeck]

I have 6 weeks to learn enough bassoon to play in a a band with all 2 and 3 year players!!! I AM FREAKING OUT!!!!!!!! DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS? IF YOU DO, MESSAGE ME!!!

[tewelltube]

You might find a private bassoon teacher who can help you. I think that would be best.