middle school bassoonist here. thanks for the video! i had no idea G used the resonance key! as you said, the school books are almost always wrong! thanks for the help :)
Awesome video! I am teaching myself bassoon, having switched from oboe and english horn. Can't even count how many times over this first year that my left thumb goes after the whisper key as if it were an octave key for the upper register. I've decided that the bassoon is a giant oboe designed by committee.
Same here, I switched from the oboe, and was thrilled to realise: if you play the English horn with bassoon fingerings, you can play the oboe notes ( you use bassoon fingering for a- you have an a on the English horn) 😂 so bassoon completes the experience of the double reeds.
I am an American living in Istanbul. I started playing a year and a half ago. As you may assume, there are not a lot of people and shops for this instrument, actually, my teacher says there are only 5 players and one shop in a city of 17 million!. My music teacher is the principal Bassoonist for the Istanbul Opera Orchestra. He is a wonderful man and teacher and most importantly, very patient. Due to time obligations and money, I am limited to two lessons a month, so your videos are an added source of needed information. Presently, I am, like most beginners, having issues with half-holes and the ever-problematic reeds. My only option was to purchase a Chinese knock-off instrument from eBay, which is surprisingly well-built and sounds really good. So, please continue posting videos, they are very welcome!
Thank you so much! As the only bassoonist in my high school wind ensemble, half of these terms I never heard of because I never had a PROPER bassoon instructor (though there is a retired band director from my high school who is the father of my current director who used to play bassoon who comes in during our rehearsals). One piece that our band director assigned to us was Amazing Grace arranged by Frank Ticheli was torturing me because of the E flat fingerings. Also I never knew I HAD to use the whisper key, but you just saying how more responsive it is- THAT solved some of my B flat problem of starting a note as softly as possible. Never even heard of the flicking technique on basson. I thought it only revolved around bagpipes (no joke).
Thanks for the helpful video. I am a doubler, but I am getting to really love the bassoon. My B-flat above the staff has been flat, and also have had problems with e-flat in the staff, which you have nicely explained. I would be interested in the flicking video. Thanks you rock
@@BuildingaBassoonist 1.) Cross Training--you can apply any instrument technique to any OTHER instrument; 2.) Life Lessons abound; and 3.) I love ALL THINGS music! Thanks again!
Thanks so much for the fingering chart! I would love to see a flicking/venting video. I really struggle a lot with Eb fingering and half-hole fingerings as well. As a beginner, trial and error is so time-consuming and frustrating, so I loved seeing this kind of reference material!
This was a fantastic video!! I will be watching this one a few times, with my bassoon in hand to work things out. Thank you so muchII. AS for a "flicking" video: YES PLEASE!!!! I don't know what I don't know, and you provided clarity with this video when I didn't even realize there was a problem, so a video on flicking would be greatly desired! thanks again!
This year marks my third year of playing the bassoon. Believe it or not, I still struggle with half-holing, especially when playing F# (Gb)3 and G3. This is often a challenge when playing eighth- or sixteenth-note phrases requiring F#3 or G3. If neither note sounds, the rest of the phrase sounds squawked. Surprisingly, half-holing G4 is not so problematic, though harmonics sometimes get in the way of sound. I’ll be sure to integrate the octave exercise you suggested during my practice sessions. (-:
this was so helpful - thank you! I've returned to bassoon after 10+ years away, and the fingering is all muscle memory and I've somehow remembered 99% of it. However understanding the WHY of things (like the relationship between the whisper/pancake key) is something I'd forgotten, and really helpful to remember. One question: I've noticed sometimes the pancake key doesn't fully close/cover the hole and makes low notes tricky to speak even if lined up correctly. Any tips for this?
Thanks for your comment! As for the pancake key - try rotating your wing joint counterclockwise (to the right) just slightly and see if that fixes the problem.
My regular playing days were 50 years ago. Now I'm in an orchestra playing video game music - way more sharps and flats than classical in combinations my fingers never trained. But I'm getting there. And the upper Register has largely disappeared from my mind. I'm just resigned to relearning it. All good fun.
I have started using long C#(Db), I found I was using that on my contra quite a bit, and find it also works well on my "regular" bassoon. I didn't know about the long Eb(D#). The note on my bassoon I would like to tame is F#/Gb. It always sounds like it doesn't quite fit. It is tune but the color is a bit untamed.
I am a brass guy. Went to eastman for tuba and everything, but i have always been fascinated by double reeds. I actually sold my lego collection in 8th grade to buy a crappy bassoon off ebay. Kinda want to pick it up again. Cool video!
Your videos are very helpful. I would definitely like to see a flicking video. I have had 2 teachers tell me different things about how to flick, so I would like to know how you teach it.
I’ve heard of flicking but I thought it was just moving the thumb from f to low db or something 💀 I’ll start practicing that so hopefully that range starts sounding better 🤩
I have an issue when moving the left thumb several keys. It seems to make the left had fingers to change position. I can’t seem to find that sweet spot for both low C-Bb and high B-C too.
It sounds like you are struggling with left thumb independence from your other fingers? Awareness of what’s happening is the first step - pay attention to what happens exactly when you move your left thumb and see if you can avoid it. It takes time to develop that independence but it will come with slow and thoughtful practice!
This is a good video topic - I’ll note it down for a later time. Try to make your thumb move in a rocking motion, rather than sliding, to quickly move between the keys. It takes a lot of slow practice. There are some good exercises for this in the Weissenborn method book to practice!
I have problem with F# with either my right pinky not able to reach the double key or if I reach the double key, then my middle / ring finger doesn't cover the hole fully for F# and G (If G is the next note).
There's another fingering for F# using your right thumb on the key below the pancake key instead of your right pinky. Try that fingering as your go-to and see if that helps
This could be a couple things. Check the tip opening of your reed, it should be about millimeter wide at the center. If it's too closed, the low notes won't speak very well. Also try "voicing" a little lower, meaning think "Oh" or "Ah" or "Oh-Ah" on those lower notes. Your mouth/throat may be too closed and forcing the upper octave. Also make sure that your tongue is sitting low in your mouth. One or more of these things is likely causing your Bb to go too high. Hope this helps!
It’s a tricky note for sure! If it’s awful on multiple different reeds, then you’re right that it’s your instrument that probably doesn’t like it! That’s one of the reasons I try to mention several fingerings because everyone is in a different situation
middle school bassoonist here. thanks for the video! i had no idea G used the resonance key! as you said, the school books are almost always wrong! thanks for the help :)
Awesome video! I am teaching myself bassoon, having switched from oboe and english horn. Can't even count how many times over this first year that my left thumb goes after the whisper key as if it were an octave key for the upper register. I've decided that the bassoon is a giant oboe designed by committee.
Same here, I switched from the oboe, and was thrilled to realise: if you play the English horn with bassoon fingerings, you can play the oboe notes ( you use bassoon fingering for a- you have an a on the English horn) 😂 so bassoon completes the experience of the double reeds.
@@Consch0310 Awesome! That makes total sense LOL.
I am an American living in Istanbul. I started playing a year and a half ago. As you may assume, there are not a lot of people and shops for this instrument, actually, my teacher says there are only 5 players and one shop in a city of 17 million!. My music teacher is the principal Bassoonist for the Istanbul Opera Orchestra. He is a wonderful man and teacher and most importantly, very patient. Due to time obligations and money, I am limited to two lessons a month, so your videos are an added source of needed information. Presently, I am, like most beginners, having issues with half-holes and the ever-problematic reeds. My only option was to purchase a Chinese knock-off instrument from eBay, which is surprisingly well-built and sounds really good. So, please continue posting videos, they are very welcome!
Hi Harry, I’m so glad these videos have been helpful for you! Congrats on making things work with fewer resources, keep it up!
Thank you so much! As the only bassoonist in my high school wind ensemble, half of these terms I never heard of because I never had a PROPER bassoon instructor (though there is a retired band director from my high school who is the father of my current director who used to play bassoon who comes in during our rehearsals).
One piece that our band director assigned to us was Amazing Grace arranged by Frank Ticheli was torturing me because of the E flat fingerings. Also I never knew I HAD to use the whisper key, but you just saying how more responsive it is- THAT solved some of my B flat problem of starting a note as softly as possible.
Never even heard of the flicking technique on basson. I thought it only revolved around bagpipes (no joke).
Awesome! Yes, the whisper key will absolutely help with response on the Bb, especially at soft dynamic levels. Thanks for your comment!
Thanks for the helpful video. I am a doubler, but I am getting to really love the bassoon. My B-flat above the staff has been flat, and also have had problems with e-flat in the staff, which you have nicely explained. I would be interested in the flicking video. Thanks you rock
I'm a drummer--I don't play any other instruments, but I LOVE watching your videos--great music lessons here!
Wow! Not sure how much helpful info you are gaining for percussion but I’m glad to hear it!
@@BuildingaBassoonist 1.) Cross Training--you can apply any instrument technique to any OTHER instrument; 2.) Life Lessons abound; and 3.) I love ALL THINGS music! Thanks again!
Thanks so much for the fingering chart! I would love to see a flicking/venting video. I really struggle a lot with Eb fingering and half-hole fingerings as well. As a beginner, trial and error is so time-consuming and frustrating, so I loved seeing this kind of reference material!
I’m glad this was helpful!
This was a fantastic video!! I will be watching this one a few times, with my bassoon in hand to work things out. Thank you so muchII. AS for a "flicking" video: YES PLEASE!!!! I don't know what I don't know, and you provided clarity with this video when I didn't even realize there was a problem, so a video on flicking would be greatly desired! thanks again!
Awesome! I know exactly what you mean with not knowing what you don’t know - it’s frustrating for sure! Thanks for your comment.
This year marks my third year of playing the bassoon. Believe it or not, I still struggle with half-holing, especially when playing F# (Gb)3 and G3. This is often a challenge when playing eighth- or sixteenth-note phrases requiring F#3 or G3. If neither note sounds, the rest of the phrase sounds squawked.
Surprisingly, half-holing G4 is not so problematic, though harmonics sometimes get in the way of sound.
I’ll be sure to integrate the octave exercise you suggested during my practice sessions. (-:
You’re not alone in dealing with those half hole issues! It takes a lot of time and very slow practice to become easier!
this was so helpful - thank you! I've returned to bassoon after 10+ years away, and the fingering is all muscle memory and I've somehow remembered 99% of it. However understanding the WHY of things (like the relationship between the whisper/pancake key) is something I'd forgotten, and really helpful to remember. One question: I've noticed sometimes the pancake key doesn't fully close/cover the hole and makes low notes tricky to speak even if lined up correctly. Any tips for this?
Thanks for your comment! As for the pancake key - try rotating your wing joint counterclockwise (to the right) just slightly and see if that fixes the problem.
Lucky - I picked bassoon up again after a 25 year absence and haven't remembered much of any fingerings in the second register or up!
My regular playing days were 50 years ago. Now I'm in an orchestra playing video game music - way more sharps and flats than classical in combinations my fingers never trained. But I'm getting there. And the upper Register has largely disappeared from my mind. I'm just resigned to relearning it. All good fun.
I have started using long C#(Db), I found I was using that on my contra quite a bit, and find it also works well on my "regular" bassoon. I didn't know about the long Eb(D#). The note on my bassoon I would like to tame is F#/Gb. It always sounds like it doesn't quite fit. It is tune but the color is a bit untamed.
Another great video! Thank you!
Thanks so much!
I am a brass guy. Went to eastman for tuba and everything, but i have always been fascinated by double reeds. I actually sold my lego collection in 8th grade to buy a crappy bassoon off ebay. Kinda want to pick it up again. Cool video!
Your videos are very helpful. I would definitely like to see a flicking video. I have had 2 teachers tell me different things about how to flick, so I would like to know how you teach it.
Thanks Barbara! I will plan to do a flicking video soon
I’ve heard of flicking but I thought it was just moving the thumb from f to low db or something 💀 I’ll start practicing that so hopefully that range starts sounding better 🤩
Helpful , thx
I have an issue when moving the left thumb several keys. It seems to make the left had fingers to change position. I can’t seem to find that sweet spot for both low C-Bb and high B-C too.
It sounds like you are struggling with left thumb independence from your other fingers? Awareness of what’s happening is the first step - pay attention to what happens exactly when you move your left thumb and see if you can avoid it. It takes time to develop that independence but it will come with slow and thoughtful practice!
I'm getting my bassoon on Friday, so this video helps a lot!
Thank you!❤
I am interested in getting into flicking!
Awesome! Check out my video on flicking on my channel!
Any advice on switching from d to c# I’m having trouble switching back and forth
This is a good video topic - I’ll note it down for a later time. Try to make your thumb move in a rocking motion, rather than sliding, to quickly move between the keys. It takes a lot of slow practice. There are some good exercises for this in the Weissenborn method book to practice!
Can I play bassoon If I have a short fingers?
I have problem with F# with either my right pinky not able to reach the double key or if I reach the double key, then my middle / ring finger doesn't cover the hole fully for F# and G (If G is the next note).
There's another fingering for F# using your right thumb on the key below the pancake key instead of your right pinky. Try that fingering as your go-to and see if that helps
I had the same issue on my student instrument, it just feels to far off
My b flat is sometimes an octave higher than it should be. How do i fix this
This could be a couple things. Check the tip opening of your reed, it should be about millimeter wide at the center. If it's too closed, the low notes won't speak very well. Also try "voicing" a little lower, meaning think "Oh" or "Ah" or "Oh-Ah" on those lower notes. Your mouth/throat may be too closed and forcing the upper octave. Also make sure that your tongue is sitting low in your mouth. One or more of these things is likely causing your Bb to go too high. Hope this helps!
It's been years since I played regularly but I was taught the basic E-flat and it is a terrible note on my horn.
It’s a tricky note for sure! If it’s awful on multiple different reeds, then you’re right that it’s your instrument that probably doesn’t like it! That’s one of the reasons I try to mention several fingerings because everyone is in a different situation
Nice video :) puchner???
Heckel!
@@BuildingaBassoonist nice what model??
@@nyancs7098 I play a late 9000 series Heckel, made in 1954