Bassoon Lessons

Bassoon Lessons
with Brian Jack, DMA

Dr. Brian Jack brings 19 years of experience as a musician, teacher, and producer to his projects.

Schedule a lesson

Now accepting students for online lessons.

Hone your skills

Private lessons address important concepts such as:

-introduction and fundamentals
-rhythm
-tuning
-technical prowess
-developing a variety of articulations
-extending the range
-vibrato
-flicking
-body awareness
-double tonguing
-phrasing
-tone

During lessons, we will work on:

-scales and exercises
-etudes
-solos
-music theory
-music history
-preparation for auditions, including college auditions, school placement, honor orchestras, etc
-large ensemble music
-chamber music
-reed construction
-reed work
-instrument maintenance
-music business
-rehearsal etiquette

All ages

I have had the pleasure teaching bassoon lessons to students of all ages: elementary, middle, high school, college, grad school, and even retirement!

Advance your experience

My students have performed in youth orchestras, Colorado All State Orchestra, CU Honor Band, CSU Honor Band, district honor orchestras, and have been recruited to the music programs of CU, CSU, UW, and UNC.

Metacognition

Throughout their studies with me, students learn not only how to master the bassoon but also how to teach themselves, how to lead their own practice.

Tailored to you

I tailor my teaching to the students’ long term goals. Development of good practice technique applies to all walks of life and career paths, and can be used for improvement in any area.

The complete musician

Fundamentals like scales, arpeggios, and long tones give the bassoonist the skills necessary to execute musical ideas enhanced with music theory and musicology.

Materials needed for each lesson

-instrument (including seat strap, bocal, swab, cork grease)
-reeds: everyone is expected to have at least three good, working reeds at all times
-my reeds are available for $20
-notebook and pencil
-lesson book
-solo music
-school ensemble music

Online lessons

I have taught dozens of online lessons using zoom, Skype, FaceTime, and Microsoft Teams.

Attendance

Weekly attendance of lessons is expected. Lessons that begin late due to a student's tardiness will not be taught past the agreed upon end time. As is standard with private music lessons, let me know far ahead of time of any absences or irregular schedules. If I receive less than 24 hours notice of a canceled lesson, you'll still be responsible for the cost of the lesson. Tuition will not be refunded for canceled or missed lessons.

Tuition

Payment for all of the lessons of each month is due at the first lesson of the month. The first lesson is always an hour lesson regardless of age or skill level. Click here for rates and expectations.

Practice

Practicing is crucially important for musical progress. Each student needs to practice regularly and consistently - make practice time a normal part of your daily schedule. Using a tuner and metronome helps tremendously and is expected. Daily practice should be in proportion to the length of the lesson, and consistency is crucial.

About me

Dr. Brian Jack is a bassoonist, educator, and music administrator living in Colorado. He is a member of Colorado Ballet Orchestra, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and regularly performs with ensembles such as the Colorado Symphony. In 2006, he founded the Boulder Bassoon Quartet which has flourished over the years, releasing three albums and commissioning several works from award-winning composers.

Dr. Jack maintains a private lesson studio and frequently visits high schools to coach chamber music, reed-making, sectionals, and practice techniques for young musicians.

Brian attended Ithaca College and the University of Colorado. In addition to his studies with Dr. Lee Goodhew-Romm, Dr. Yoshiyuki Ishikawa, and Glenn Einschlag, Brian has performed in masterclasses and studied with Michael Sweeney, Christopher Millard, Peter Kolkay, and Kim Walker.

Dr. Jack was instrumental in the creation of the Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras and is the Executive Director of this organization that serves young musicians from Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, and everywhere in between. During Brian’s tenure, GBYO has performed at the Kennedy Center, hosted world renown violinist and educator Midori, and regularly collaborated with groups like the Boulder Philharmonic and Colorado Music Festival. GBYO was an honoree at the 2018 Dairy Center Honors, which recognizes five individuals or institutions that have made significant contributions to the arts in Boulder County.

Brian's wife, Kaori Uno-Jack, is a bassoonist in the award-winning Antero Wind Quintet. They live in Broomfield with their two sons.

Experience in Education

Private lesson studio

Bassoon lessons, reed construction and finishing for a studio of private students ranging in age from 10 to 72. Preparation for auditions, performances, competitions. Students have performed in youth orchestras, all state orchestra, honor bands, honor orchestras, and have been recruited to the music programs of CU, CSU, UW, and UNC.

Legacy High School

Sectional coach. Double reed sectionals including chamber ensembles, preparation for concerts and competitions, evaluations.
LegacyBands.org

Sectionals and Masterclasses

Skyline High, Westlake Middle School, Northern Colorado Honor Band, All State Orchestra, Denver School of the Arts, CSU Honor Band, Rocky Mountain High School, Loveland High, CU Summer Music Academy, Colorado Mesa University Best of the West Festival.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Bassoon 2018-2020.

Lessons, reed class, and studio class for a studio of 11 bassoonists including students majoring in Music Ed, Performance, Music Therapy, and non-music majors. Hosted BassoonaRAMa bringing together 24+ bassoonists from across Colorado. Taught bassoon portion of Woodwind Methods class. Performed with faculty. Bassoon student Tony Federico winner of annual Concerto Competition.