My Goals
- To train an inclusive generation of bassoonists who are capable technicians, thoughtful communicators, and sensitive interpreters of their art
- To provide them the skills and work ethic necessary for success in performance, education, and high-level graduate work
- To build and maintain a studio of young bassoonists who thrive in an energetic, artistic, and appropriately competitive atmosphere
Want to Study Bassoon?
7 Reasons to Study Bassoon at Shenandoah
1. Bassoon teacher is full-time faculty
This means that you will have your teacher available all week instead of just one or two days a week. This translates to greater flexibility in lesson schedules, chamber coachings, and recital planning; availability for drop-in questions/concerns, etc.
2. Scholarship funding
Shenandoah wants to recruit. You want to be recruited. This is in no way a guarantee of monies for whomever might know how to hold a bassoon, but it does increase the likelihood that a talented player will receive competitive funding.
3. Shenandoah’s multiple ensemble opportunities
The conservatory's symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, symphonic band, pit orchestra, EDGE new music ensemble, chamber groups, jazz ensembles, and choirs create numerous playing opportunities for students who want to do a bit of everything. Shenandoah's summer stock theatre program Summer Musical Theatre (SSMT) also routinely hires Shenandoah students to play in its pit orchestras.
4. The conservatory offers a wide range of degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA)
- Contemporary Musicianship & Entrepreneur Development (BA)
- Jazz & Commercial Music
- Music Composition
- Music Education
- Music Performance (BM, MM, DMA, AD)
- Music Production & Recording Technology
- Music Therapy
- Recording & Audio Arts (BA)
- Dance (BA and BFA)
- Acting
- Musical Theatre
- Musical Theatre Accompanying
- Theatre Design & Production
So, not only do you have a broad array of possibilities for your own training, you are also in daily contact with an incredible mix of students and teachers who each experience and communicate their artistry through a variety of lenses.
5. Shenandoah is a community
The faculty and students at SU develop meaningful professional relationships that last for years. (Having gone to a large state school for undergrad, I must say I don't even recall half of my teachers and they certainly do not remember me.)
6. Spring Break
SU has a competitive program, titled the Global Citizenship Project (GCP), that sends groups of students and faculty to various locations in the world (at no cost for the student) for spring break in order to better learn about the ways people in other countries live, work, and interact. (Students can go once during their degree at Shenandoah, provided their essay is selected.)
7. Proximity
SU is a very comfortable drive to Washington D.C. and Baltimore, which both boast world-class arts scenes. Students also routinely make their way to NYC for breaks and class trips.
Find out more!
To find out more information on applying and audition, click here!
If you have more questions or want to schedule a free lesson, send me a message through the form on my contact page!
