Bassoon

The Aspen Music Festival and School bassoon department offers the opportunity to play premier assignments alongside artist-faculty from major U.S. orchestras or as principal in a variety of ensembles. For details on the student orchestral experience available to full session applicants, please see the Orchestra/Instrumental program page. 

Note: Not all bassoon students are expected to play contrabassoon in orchestra. However, those who have the ability and interest will be given opportunities. Please bring your contrabassoon if possible.

Please see our Fellowships and Financial Aid page to learn more about our many fellowship and scholarship opportunities.

Important Program Information

  • Applicants should submit the financial aid form for access to all funding opportunities
  • VIDEO audition recordings are required
  • Applicants interested in a contrabassoon fellowship must submit additional contrabassoon repertoire
  • Students under the age of 18 do not play in orchestra but may take private lessons and participate in chamber music

Teaching Faculty

How to Apply

APPLICATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 15
  • Resume required
  • Two letters of recommendation encouraged but not required

STANDARD BASSOON REPERTOIRE: All bassoon applicants must submit the required standard bassoon repertoire in 5 INDIVIDUAL VIDEO TRACKS. 

  • MOZART: Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major, K. 191; 1st movement to the end of exposition; accompaniment not required
  • STRAVINSKY: The Rite of Spring (opening)
  • RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Scheherazade, op. 35; 2nd movement, solo plus the cadenzas (in one take)
  • RAVEL: Bolero (solo)
  • TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 4 in F minor, op. 36; 2nd movement, solo

CONTRABASSOON FELLOWSHIP CONSIDERATION: Please include all repertoire above on bassoon and below on contrabassoon, for a total of 9 INDIVIDUAL VIDEO TRACKS. 

  • RAVEL: Mother Goose Suite (solo)
  • RAVEL: Piano Concerto for Left Hand in D major (solo)
  • BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, op. 67, 4th movement, Allegro, m. 374–464
  • J. S. BACH: Suite No. 1 for Unaccompanied Cello in G major, BWV 1007; Gigue
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Application Fees & Deadlines

Deadline: January 5, 2025
Application opens September 15, 2024

Application Fee(s):

$30 September 15–October 15, 2024
$60 October 16–December 15, 2024
$110 December 16, 2024–January 5, 2025