The Really Easy Bassoon Book: Bassoon & Piano Book

Sheen's genius here is structural rather than flashy. By building technical demands incrementally and labeling exactly what each piece introduces, he removes the guesswork from repertoire selection and gives students genuine ownership of their progress. The mix of original melodies, folksong arrangements, and excerpts from the concert hall means beginners hear themselves playing actual music, not exercises.

A guided tour through musical styles, from graceful salon pieces to robust folk dances. The writing sings naturally on the bassoon; ranges stay comfortable, and rhythms feel organic rather than written-for-pedagogy.

Beginning bassoonists who have moved past first position exercises and are ready to engage with real repertoire. This works equally well for early intermediate players returning to the instrument or for group lessons where mixed readiness levels need a cohesive curriculum.

• Announce the technical point in the box before playing. Students absorb instructions better when they're already looking at what's coming.
• Let the piano part breathe. Too many bassoonists push their tone forward and bury the accompaniment, especially in these early-stage pieces where the partnership matters most.
• Treat the folksongs and dances with character even at slow tempos. Sheen's arrangements carry the personality of their sources; a Hungarian folksong should have grit, not hesitation.

Perfect as a studio foundation or group lesson backbone across an entire season. Pull individual pieces for student recitals, or use the collection as a throughline curriculum that demonstrates to families how systematically musicians grow.

• Playing sustained tones with consistent air support across the staff
• Articulation variety through contrasting piece styles
• Legato and staccato coordination with piano accompaniment
• Reading and executing dynamic shapes within limited ranges
• Understanding phrasing by studying folksong and dance arrangements