Bassoon

My COVID Concerto

Performing a concerto with orchestra requires a different skill-set than that normally employed by an orchestral musician, especially a bassoonist. Whereas an orchestral bassoonist will typically carry a prominent musical line for a short time, a bassoon soloist carries most of the thematic material for the concerto’s duration. This requires a deeper dive into a piece’s innerworkings. For my debut concerto as Principal Bassoon of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, I not only faced the typical challenges associated with soloing with an orchestra. I also met hurdles like repertoire changes, shortened timelines for preparation, decision-making processes about errata and interpretations, and new parameters for performance, all while navigating an unfamiliar landscape due to the raging COVID-19 pandemic. What I learned in this process enabled me to not only deliver a successful performance of the Hertel Concerto in A minor for Bassoon, but also prepared me for what challenges lie ahead the next time I’m called upon to step to the front of the stage.

My COVID Concerto Open »

Violoncello

Jo Cole: “Even Though Practising Can Feel Demoralising, It Is Important to Keep the Instrument Alive With You”

Cellist Jo Cole discusses her beginnings as a professional cellist, her time teaching at the Royal Northern College of Music, her role as Head of Strings of the Royal Academy of Music in London, her writing and blog, and useful advice for young musicians.

Jo Cole: “Even Though Practising Can Feel Demoralising, It Is Important to Keep the Instrument Alive With You” Open »

Trombone

To Buzz or Not to Buzz — That Is Not the Only Question

The practice of buzzing has become a divisive pedagogical practice in the brass world. One side, the “pro-buzzing” community, argues that buzzing on the mouthpiece away from the instrument can help players improve intonation and lip vibration. The “anti-buzzing” group believes that buzzing is potentially harmful, encouraging bad habits that will manifest when the player introduces the actual instrument.

To Buzz or Not to Buzz — That Is Not the Only Question Open »

Scroll to Top