Updated January 25, 2006
To Scrape or not to Scrape...?
It seems like one of the first questions new or prospective students always ask me is about reed-making. "Will I learn how to make reeds?" Absolutely!
Being able to make reeds that suit your own style of playing, your own physiology (the way your mouth is shaped) and your instrument is one of the most important elements of playing the bassoon. Not only is it far cheaper to make your own reeds (after the initial investment in reed-making tools), but it is a great feeling of satisfaction to be able to perform on a reed made with your own hands.
Each bassoon major will be required, by their second semester of study, to purchase a basic kit of reed-making tools, and a reed-making book. The reed-making kit generally costs around $80.00 (the price of a book for other classes), and these tools are something you can use for your entire career as a basoonist if you take care of them. I still use the knife I purchased as a bassoon major in 1991!
As part of your Applied Bassoon lessons and your masterclass requirements, you will particpate in private and group-lesson settings in the art of reed making. You will learn how to take a piece of bamboo (known by its scientifc name of arundo donax), and turn into a performance-ready reed.