Checking in...
Before starting this section, you should have already been through the embouchure page successfully.
If you haven't yet, go back and do that first.
If you've done that and are ready to move on, go through the following exercises in order.
By the end, you'll know the F major and Bb major scales.
If you haven't yet, go back and do that first.
If you've done that and are ready to move on, go through the following exercises in order.
By the end, you'll know the F major and Bb major scales.
Lesson 1: Beginning left hand notes
We'll start with one note and build from there.
Repeat each exercise new note exercise until your fingers are comfortable with the motion and it feels easy.
Do not rush this. Take your time and really get the feel of the notes.
Repeat each exercise new note exercise until your fingers are comfortable with the motion and it feels easy.
Do not rush this. Take your time and really get the feel of the notes.
Let's learn a C first
Click the link on the left to hear what the note should sound like.
Use the fingering indicated and try to copy the sound when you play. Press down the fingers with yellow dots.
To the right you have an image of what the note looks like written, and a short exercise that uses the new note.
Try it yourself.
Use the fingering indicated and try to copy the sound when you play. Press down the fingers with yellow dots.
To the right you have an image of what the note looks like written, and a short exercise that uses the new note.
Try it yourself.
Now that we have a C, let's get a D.
Again, the sound clip is on the left, then to the right of that you have the fingering and the written note.
This time you have a short exercise using both of the notes you now know.
Do the exercise a few times, speeding up each time. Get really comfortable with going back and forth between the two notes.
This time you have a short exercise using both of the notes you now know.
Do the exercise a few times, speeding up each time. Get really comfortable with going back and forth between the two notes.
Lesson 3: The first scale. F Major
First, you need to learn Bb.
Just like before. You've got this.
Stop and reflect for a minute. How much did I actually help you?
The answer is not at all. I'm a website. I can't help you. All I can do is present information. You're helping you, and doing a fine job at it, I might add. Keep it up. |
Lesson 4: Now let's learn the Bb scale
There are some new challenges in this lesson. Beat them.
First, you need to learn Eb.
This one's a little tricky. Do it a few times.
This new G is a half-hole noteRoll your left index finger slightly down to partially open the hole.
For future reference, every flavor of G in this octave (G, Gb, G#) are all half holed. Notice the difference in the symbol on the fingering chart. |
A and Bb
Starting at A the fingerings are just like the lower octave, but with the whisper key open (left thumb). It's like a reverse octave key.
You made it!
Congratulations, and nice work. Unfortunately this is where the lessons end. It was meant as a means to get you started, then give you the tools to continue on your own or in your band class.
Check out this handy guide from Fox Bassoon Co. for a full fingering chart before you head back to class.
Before you finish for the day, you should clean out your bassoon with a swab. That's in the next section, Care and Maintenance. Swab your bassoon every time you play. It is made out of wood after all.
Check out this handy guide from Fox Bassoon Co. for a full fingering chart before you head back to class.
Before you finish for the day, you should clean out your bassoon with a swab. That's in the next section, Care and Maintenance. Swab your bassoon every time you play. It is made out of wood after all.
Before you go...
Before you go, you should also check out the Resources section. You'll find helpful links and resources to help you continue to grow as a bassoonist. Finally, if you have any questions, head over to the Blog and leave me a message. I'll do my best to get back to you as soon as I can.
Until next time, be well, keep up the good work, and most importantly remember that if you can do this you can do anything. It's all the same, just taking things one step at a time. The scary part in the future is determining your own steps, but just because its scary doesn't mean it's difficult. You can do it.
-Mr. O
Until next time, be well, keep up the good work, and most importantly remember that if you can do this you can do anything. It's all the same, just taking things one step at a time. The scary part in the future is determining your own steps, but just because its scary doesn't mean it's difficult. You can do it.
-Mr. O