What used to be your primary instrument and what is it now?
I have been playing music for 6 years, I started playing saxophone, transitioned to clarinet then again to bassoon. My primary instrument was clarinet for 4 years, during this time I have played with Manning Valley Concert Band, Newcastle Youth Orchestra and Sydney Youth Orchestras. I have now changed my principal instrument to bassoon and am continuing my tertiary study at the Sydney Conservatorium and my playing with Sydney Youth Orchestras.
Why did you decide to change instruments?
I have been playing bassoon casually for 1 and a half years and decided to change earlier this year. I decided to change instruments when I realised that opportunities for clarinet are hard to come by but because the bassoon is a rarer instrument professional opportunities have been more common.
I have been playing music for 6 years, I started playing saxophone, transitioned to clarinet then again to bassoon. My primary instrument was clarinet for 4 years, during this time I have played with Manning Valley Concert Band, Newcastle Youth Orchestra and Sydney Youth Orchestras. I have now changed my principal instrument to bassoon and am continuing my tertiary study at the Sydney Conservatorium and my playing with Sydney Youth Orchestras.
Why did you decide to change instruments?
I have been playing bassoon casually for 1 and a half years and decided to change earlier this year. I decided to change instruments when I realised that opportunities for clarinet are hard to come by but because the bassoon is a rarer instrument professional opportunities have been more common.
Was it hard to transition from one instrument to another?
The transition to bassoon was challenging because there were no teachers in my area. I also had to teach myself two new clefs as well as different fingerings, embouchure and air support. My clarinet teacher Frank Celata supported my change and helped me to get in contact with bassoon teachers in Sydney.
What is similar/different between your previous instrument and your current instrument?
There aren’t many similarities apart from being in the woodwind family, however there are many major differences including; your role in the orchestra, the way you use your air and your trouble with reeds is double.
The transition to bassoon was challenging because there were no teachers in my area. I also had to teach myself two new clefs as well as different fingerings, embouchure and air support. My clarinet teacher Frank Celata supported my change and helped me to get in contact with bassoon teachers in Sydney.
What is similar/different between your previous instrument and your current instrument?
There aren’t many similarities apart from being in the woodwind family, however there are many major differences including; your role in the orchestra, the way you use your air and your trouble with reeds is double.
What are the top 3 reasons you would give to someone thinking about transitioning from one instrument to another?
There are many reasons to pick up a second instrument, including;
- the second instrument is easier to learn;
- you will obtain a greater knowledge of how parts work together in orchestral music and;
- you will be presented more opportunities to play music with others
What is your dream performance?
My dream gig is to be an established player of one of the worlds premiere orchestras, such as London Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic or Vienna Philharmonic.
There are many reasons to pick up a second instrument, including;
- the second instrument is easier to learn;
- you will obtain a greater knowledge of how parts work together in orchestral music and;
- you will be presented more opportunities to play music with others
What is your dream performance?
My dream gig is to be an established player of one of the worlds premiere orchestras, such as London Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic or Vienna Philharmonic.
What is it like playing your instrument in an orchestra?
Playing the bassoon in the orchestra gives you the unique perspective of playing both the bass and tenor lines whilst sitting amongst the wind section.
Why should someone who plays your instrument join Sydney Youth Orchestras?
Joining the SYO has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my pathway into the musical profession. It has given me unique performance opportunities, including at Sydney Opera House, I have made many contacts and friends with people I’ve met through SYO, I’ve been given opportunities to work with and learn from great conductors and music educators as well as being challenge to be the best musician I can be.
Playing the bassoon in the orchestra gives you the unique perspective of playing both the bass and tenor lines whilst sitting amongst the wind section.
Why should someone who plays your instrument join Sydney Youth Orchestras?
Joining the SYO has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my pathway into the musical profession. It has given me unique performance opportunities, including at Sydney Opera House, I have made many contacts and friends with people I’ve met through SYO, I’ve been given opportunities to work with and learn from great conductors and music educators as well as being challenge to be the best musician I can be.
