Basic Bassoon Courses

Lessons begin with an introduction to the bassoon, explaining its structure and main parts in a clear and accessible way, showing students how to assemble it and guiding them in producing sound through exercises focused on proper breath control and the use of the reed.

The bassoon course at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole offers two paths: beginners with no prior musical background can join the SuonInsieme program, a two-year course of shared bassoon lessons in small groups of peers; alternatively, students may start with individual bassoon lessons.

In both cases, bassoon students participate in group activities, including the introductory theory class Cantare il solfeggio, which uses structured games to teach the concepts of sound, silence, duration, and pitch and to favor the ability to think and produce sound, apply motor coordination and peer interaction.

Students soon experience the orchestral setting, where they learn how to play in an ensemble.

As they continue their studies, bassoon students gradually acquire the essential skills needed for playing a wind instrument: breath control, sound production, natural movements and proper posture. They learn finger placement on the bassoon keys to produce different notes and develop agility and precision in execution.

Consistent individual practice alongside school lessons reinforces what is learned in class.

Instrumental progress enables students to join the Fiesole Harmonie ensemble, chamber groups, and eventually the Youth Orchestra.

The pre-academic bassoon course is structured to progressively build practical and theoretical bassoon skills, with certification exams at the end of each level (basic, intermediate, and advanced).

Each level includes complementary courses, included in the curriculum (chamber music, group classes in music notation and theory etc.)

Throughout the course, teachers provide an ongoing support, encouraging student commitment.

At the end of the pre-academic bassoon course, students are prepared to tackle increasingly challenging repertoires, with the option to enter an academic program if desired.

A non-curricular bassoon course (minimum age 11) is also available, not requiring performance exams but meeting the school’s educational standards.

For children aged 0 to 9, two preparatory music courses ease their eventual transition to bassoon studies: the Musicami course (ages 0-6), based on E. Gordon’s Music Learning Theory, and rhythmic-choral activities (ages 3-9).

Per i bambini da 0 a 9 anni sono previsti due differenti percorsi di avvicinamento alla musica, che consentono maggiore naturalezza anche nel successivo approccio al fagotto: il corso di musica da 0 a 6 anni – Musicami (basato sulla Music Learning Theory di E. Gordon) e le  attività ritmico-corali (3-9 anni).