The bassoon is a double reed woodwind instrument with a distinctive tone but can play a wide range of music, from lyrical to comic. It is used in orchestras, bands and even chamber music. In case you want to be a bassoon player, you have to keep a few things in mind. The bassoon and its necessary components are expensive, plus it is very difficult to play. You can begin your journey to playing this beautiful and unique instrument if you have the will, persistence, and access to the necessary supplies.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Determine If Bassoon Is Right For You
Step 1. Make an attempt to hold a bassoon
Before you decide on a bassoon, you need to make sure you have big enough hands. Cover the C hole (the third) with the ring finger of the left hand and see if it is possible for your thumb to comfortably reach the registration keys (A, C and D) and the octave key while still covering note do.
- Bassoons that come with E and C hole covers can be used for people with smaller hands.
- You can find models made specifically to accommodate little hands. However, they may not be readily available.
Step 2. Consider the associated costs
You will need to have easy access to a bassoon and its reeds, and both are expensive. Even cheap bassoons cost thousands of dollars, and therefore many students start out playing school-owned instruments. Bassoons use a double reed; that is to say, two tied pieces of bamboo that vibrate when blown on them. Rods cost around $ 10 to $ 15 each, and you need to have a supply of at least 3-4 good quality rods on hand.
- The reeds can break easily. With good care and gentle handling, a good rod can last for about a month. If you carelessly remove the reeds, they can splinter before you can even use them. You should be careful to keep the reeds in a special bassoon reed case so that you can protect them from being knocked but still dry out. Also, when using a reed, it is a good idea to alternate between 2 or 3 of them so that they can dry before the next time you use them.
- You can find bassoons made of wood or plastic. Perhaps you can achieve a warmer tone with a wooden bassoon. On the other hand, plastic ones tend to cost less.
Step 3. Be willing to resist peer pressure, if that is the case
Your peers may find the bassoon strange or comical, although this will depend on your age group. Its shape is large and interesting and it can make comical sounds, which can be a problem especially in high school. However, the bassoon is not a commonly recognized instrument, so people of various age groups may make jokes about it.
In case you intend to love your instrument regardless of the comments and opinions of others, the bassoon might be right for you
Step 4. Be willing to practice
The bassoon is one of the most difficult instruments to play. Even music teachers have problems. Learning to play a complex instrument takes a great deal of effort. For example, expert bassoonists practice 1 to 3 hours a day or more.
You may need to split your practice time (for example, two hours in the morning and two at night)
Step 5. Don't be discouraged if the bassoon just isn't for you
The instrument that is right for you should be pleasant and practical for you as a person. You can choose from many other instruments. You could even experiment with a variety of instruments until you find one that you connect with the most.
Part 2 of 5: Assess what you will need
Step 1. Determine how you will get the reeds
One of the most important considerations in playing the bassoon is having good reeds. While you can save money by making them yourself, this process is very time consuming. The reeds must not have cracks and all wires must be intact. Look for reeds that are professional and handcrafted rather than machine-made.
- When you're just starting out, try pre-made reeds. You don't want to spend the time it takes to learn how to make reeds yourself (or buy the necessary equipment) if you decide not to play the bassoon in the long run.
- In case you have decided on the bassoon, consider making the reeds yourself. It is possible to get reed making kits. Alternatively, you can gather the materials to finish your own reeds by getting a reed knife, chuck, reamer, plate, small mouse-tail file, fine flat file, fine sandpaper, small pliers, a small block of hardwood and cane. You can find some of these items at hardware stores, and you can find the others at local music stores or online.
Step 2. Get a case for the reeds
This case should have ventilation holes to prevent mold. If the reeds come in an airtight plastic container, avoid using it to store the reeds. Don't use cases that contain plastic foam or cotton cushioning, as they can promote mold.
- Find a reed case where you can store at least three reeds and that has mandrels to mount them.
- Wooden or tin cases that hold the reeds safely will serve you.
Step 3. Consider getting a container to soak the reeds
These are sealable containers that are filled with water to soak the reeds in before using them to play the instrument. It is possible to buy a container to soak reeds or reuse one that you already have that serves this purpose. In case you don't want to get a container to soak reeds, it is possible to dip the reeds in the tap instead.
- For example, you can use a small plastic container with a lid, an empty pill container with a lid, or an empty can from a photographic roll.
- If you're playing in the school band, you may be required to have a reed soaker on hand. Check with your instructor.
Step 4. Choose a cloth and a brush
You should clean the bassoon with a cloth every time you finish playing it. You will need a cloth that you can insert through the bassoon so that you can remove the moisture inside. Get a small brush to clean under your keys. Choose one that has natural bristles instead of synthetic ones.
- Do not use wool cloths, as they lose fibers and may get stuck in parts of the instrument. A good option are silk ones. Avoid using long "pipe cleaner" style cloths.
- For example, you can use a 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide brush as a dust brush.
Step 5. Get straps
A seat strap will be required so that you can play the bassoon seated. If you want to play it standing up, you will also need a neck strap. In case the bassoon does not come with a seat strap, it is possible to buy one or make it from an old belt.
Cut the buckle off the belt. Using pliers, insert a metal hanger through one of the holes in the belt and bend the wire into the shape of a hook
Step 6. Consider getting a hand support
While hand supports are optional, you may need one depending on the extent of your hand. If you are using a neck strap, you will need a hand support of some kind. Choose a support whose size and shape you feel comfortable with.
Step 7. Get cork grease or paraffin
It will be necessary to lubricate the spikes of your bassoon. Get canning paraffin in case the ears are wrapped in string. In case they are cork, get cork grease.
Step 8. Always have a pencil or pen with you with your music supplies
You'll want to mark up your sheet music as needed. For example, you can place head arrows at times when you need to inhale.
Part 3 of 5: Arrange your instrument
Step 1. Make sure the bassoon is in working condition
In case it runs into trouble, have a repair person check it out. The instrument may or may not be repairable, although this will depend on the time that has passed since it was used and the severity of the damage.
- Check for cracks in the body or missing parts.
- Make sure all the pads seal, especially those near the hood.
- Check the neck for dents and cracks.
Step 2. Assemble the boot
Rest the boot on the ground, being careful not to flex any keys when assembling the bassoon. Insert the tenor tube into the boot and align the bridge on one side with its counterpart. If there is a clip that secures the tenor tube and long tube, remove it if necessary. Then carefully insert the long tube.
Take care to align the bridge key mechanism. Otherwise, the grave log will not work
Step 3. Attach the hood
Hold down the low B-flat key and slide the bell onto the top of the long tube. Then release the key.
Step 4. Attach the hand support, if applicable
If you have it, you should attach it to the boot tube on the female receiver. Position it in the way that is most comfortable for your hand.
Step 5. Insert the lead into the tenor tube
Avoid holding the lead by the end with the reed. Hold the lead by its curve and insert it by gently back and forth twists. The octave key should line up with the vent hole in the neck.
Step 6. Attach the strap
If you are going to sit down, attach the seat strap to the bottom of the boot tube, positioning it so that the weight of the bassoon is resting on the strap. It is important that you position the seat strap 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the front of your chair.
If you are going to be standing, you should use a neck strap instead of the seat. Attach it to the hook at the top of the boot tube
Step 7. Adjust the strap
Have a firm and upright posture. In case you are sitting, your back should be straight against the back of the chair. The strap should be under you and the boot should be to your right. Regardless of whether you are using a neck strap or seat strap, you should adjust it so that it supports the rod as it enters your mouth when your head is facing forward. You shouldn't have to bend over to get to the lead.
Step 8. Prepare the cane
Soak the reed in water for a few moments. To do this, you can submerge it in a container full of water or place it under a running water tap. Remove the reed and let the water soak through it. Then carefully place the wet reed on the tip of the neck and secure it.
Part 4 of 5: Playing the bassoon
Step 1. Be careful to keep your mouth clean
Avoid using any type of lip balm or cosmetics. You should brush your teeth beforehand or gargle with mouthwash before playing the bassoon. Otherwise, food residue and bacteria can build up on the reeds, affecting the way they play.
Step 2. Position the bassoon
The instrument should remain at a 45 degree angle across your body. Holding it straight may interfere with fingering and playing the lower register.
Step 3. Practice the embouchure
Embouchure refers to the position of the mouth, lips, and tongue when playing an instrument. Put the rod in your mouth. Cover your teeth with your lips and keep your lips relaxed. Avoid biting the reed or flattening your lips. Imagine that there is an adjustable cord on your lips and someone pulls it towards the back of your mouth, forming a cushion with the lips on the shaft.
- The upper lip should almost touch the first wire. Keep your chin muscles down and your cheeks flat.
- Practice in front of a mirror to make sure you have the correct embouchure.
Step 4. Position the tongue appropriately
Articulate with the tip of your tongue (for example, for accentuation and staccato). Consider how you would move your mouth to pronounce the "dou" sound.
In case you are going to play very fast, there is a special method for this that is known as "double tongue". Repeat the sounds of the letters D and G successively inside your mouth against the reed
Step 5. Breathe comfortably
Inhale with your diaphragm and exhale with your abdominal muscles. If you want to understand this technique better, you could try relaxed breathing by lying on your back on the floor (without the bassoon). This is an easy way to see how to breathe properly with an upright posture.
Step 6. Learn fingering
Consult a fingering chart and keep it handy for reference while you're still learning. The octave key forms the base of your left thumb. Avoid resting your right thumb on the bassoon.
If you want to play sheet music, you will need to learn musical notations. You can take classes to learn to read sheet music and play the bassoon at the same time
Step 7. Try different techniques for air
Practice fast and slow airflow. This will help you observe how the air current affects the frequency. Blow against the neck slowly and then increase the airflow without changing the mouthpiece.
Practice vibrato. Vibrato is when you add beat to the notes. You should try not to use the pressure of your jaw to generate a vibrato effect. It uses the abdomen first and the larynx second to generate vibrato pulses
Part 5 of 5: Maintaining your instrument
Step 1. Clean the components regularly
Clean the keys after each use with a damp cloth and clean the dust under them using a small brush. Use water to wash the saliva off the reed or rub it with light sandpaper. Clean the bassoon every week with a damp cloth without wetting the pads and dry the instrument with a cleaning cloth. If your bassoon has a wood finish, you should use furniture polish to polish it every two months.
- Polish your silver keys every month. You should ask a professional repair person to polish your faucets with nickel every year.
- In case your instrument keys tend to tarnish despite regular cleaning, check with the bassoon manufacturer. It is possible that some factors that contribute to this are the climate in which you play the instrument and the way you do it.
- If your bassoon has a plastic finish, you can also use soap and water.
Step 2. Grease the spikes well
In case they have strings, you can also grease them. Dowels with cork joints require slightly more maintenance than those that are wrapped with thread. You should never apply cork grease on the dowels with thread joints.
- For dowels with cork joints, you should clean up old layers of grease, if any, and then apply a thin layer of cork grease every two weeks.
- For string-wrapped dowels, heat a stick of canning wax in your hands until it softens, and then apply a thin layer of wax over the strings. You should never apply cork grease to the dowels with thread joints.
Step 3. Make adjustments to the reeds
From time to time, you will need to make adjustments to the reeds when they do not have the proper sound. If this is out of tune or vibrating or the reed reacts too easily, it means that the reed is too soft. If the sound is too high-pitched, muffled or the reed does not react well, it means that the reed is too hard.
- To fix a smooth shank, carefully pry open the first and second wires using needle-nose pliers. Slide the reed lightly over 600-grit sandpaper, then lightly run 240-grit sandpaper on both sides of the front half.
- To fix a stiff rod, lightly close the first and second wires with needle-nose pliers. Lightly sand both sides of the reed using 600-grit sandpaper, then lightly run 240-grit sandpaper over the back third of the reed on both sides while focusing on the center of the reed.
Step 4. Take care of the mechanisms
You should apply heavy key oil to the adjusting screws and light key oil to the long screws every two weeks. Every week, you need to be careful that all the screws are tight.
Advice
- Pay attention to the bassoon pads when cleaning the instrument so that you can identify the pads that are leaking as they occur.
- If the bassoon is played correctly, it will not be affected by orthodontic problems or appliances such as braces.
- You can practice a variety of breathing exercises as a way to help increase your lung capacity.
- You should not give up in case it is difficult at first! Don't forget that you play a beautiful instrument. If you get good, you might even get a scholarship one day.
- As for practice, aim for quality rather than quantity. Avoid basing your achievements on the length of your practice time. Instead, you should aim for a quality practice session.
- You may find that your body makes a gently rocking motion in rhythm with what you play. This is normal and could even be helpful. For example, if you're playing in an orchestra, being in tune with the light movements of other woodwind players can help you start and hold notes.
- Be careful to completely cover the finger holes when playing. The only time you need to cover a hole in half is when playing the high G notes and other nearby notes. Don't worry if you are new to finger holes, as they become natural over time.
Warnings
- The muscles of the embouchure (around the face and mouth) will be sore for a time when you just start to play. However, this will disappear over time and you will be able to play for longer periods of time.
- Be careful to soak the reed in water, not saliva, before playing.
- You should never grease the bassoon with petroleum jelly.
- Discard the reed if it starts to turn gray or black, as this means it has mold. You should discard it and reevaluate the way you store the reeds. These should have a tan color, without stains or cracks.