Really Easy Jazzin' About: Fun Pieces for Bassoon: Bassoon Book

Wedgwood gives bassoonists something genuinely rare at this level: original material that sounds cool and idiomatic rather than like classical pieces dressed in jazz clothing. The syncopated rhythms and riff-based writing sit naturally under the fingers while demanding real rhythmic independence, making this collection as pedagogically sound as it is fun to perform.

Stepping into a practice room where the rules feel different. The grooves are infectious without being difficult, the melodies are memorable, and the overall vibe is one of permission to relax and enjoy making music. This is jazz and contemporary styles stripped of pretension.

Beginning bassoonists who've moved past the earliest method books and are ready to explore contemporary styles in a low-pressure setting. This collection works equally well for students seeking repertoire outside the classical canon and for teachers building confidence in younger players through music they actually want to play.

• Anchor the root of syncopated passages by thinking in quarter-note subdivisions first, then layer in the sixteenths; this prevents rhythmic slippage without making the phrasing sound mechanical.
• Shape riffs with dynamic contour rather than playing them as rhythmic punctuation. These pieces thrive when each motif breathes and lands with intention.
• Match articulation choices to the character of each tune. Blues passages often benefit from looser, swung tonguing, while rock sections need crisp attacks.

Use individual pieces as opening numbers on casual concerts or as transitions between classical sets, giving your audience a taste of your students' versatility. These works also make excellent sight-reading material for young ensembles or warmups that double as genuine performance repertoire.

• Syncopated rhythm reading across simple and compound feels
• Interpretation of swing articulation and phrasing
• Blues and contemporary harmony recognition
• Riff-based melodic construction and call-and-response phrasing
• Dynamic shaping and stylistic expression outside classical contexts