John Kinyon's Basic Training Course, Book 1: Bassoon Book

Kinyon's method works because it respects the bassoon as a real instrument from the start, not a second-thought voice in the ensemble. The course design proves flexible across full bands, sectional rehearsals, and private lessons, making it invaluable for programs with varying ensemble configurations. His pedagogical approach builds secure fundamentals without sacrificing the musicality that keeps students engaged through the first year.

Grounded and purposeful. Kinyon builds bassoon technique systematically, moving from fundamental single notes through simple rhythms and progressively richer melodic shapes, all written with the understanding that young bassoonists are beginning a long musical journey.

Beginning bassoonists in their first year, whether studying privately, in school band, or both. Directors staffing concert bands with first-year woodwind sections will find this book creates a coherent approach across the reed family.

• Establish consistent embouchure contact before tackling air support. Kinyon's early exercises prioritize the reed relationship; rushing past these foundations creates problems in intonation later.
• Use sectional time strategically. The 32-page format works efficiently in small group settings where you can address individual reeds, breath control, and articulation before bringing the full part into the band.
• Coordinate with your oboe section on reeds and tone production. Kinyon's voicing allows these related instruments to blend naturally when they're developed in parallel.

Start this in September and move through it as your primary resource for the fall semester, integrating completed pages into full band reading at rehearsal. The compact page count allows you to assign exercises for private practice while building confidence for ensemble contribution by October and November.

• Long tone control and embouchure stability
• Single-line reading in treble clef
• Whole note, half note, quarter note, and eighth note rhythm accuracy
• Tonguing technique and air-stream control
• Pitch matching in octaves and unison with oboe
• Dynamic control from piano to mezzo-forte
• Foundational intonation awareness specific to the bassoon's register