I am the second bassoon at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (London) and you'll find here my reflections on playing the bassoon (in particular second bassoon) and the world of music in general. It might be of interest to bassoon students, teachers, amateurs and fellow professionals. Although this site is U.K. based, I hope there is something here for those from elsewhere. 

On this page I'll put anything of current interest e.g. forthcoming concerts, events, recordings, vacancies, general gossip etc. So if you have any bassoon news, please send me an e-mail .

I sell the bassoon reeds that I make. These are exactly the same as those I use at the ROH. For more information, please click on 'Bassoon Reeds for Sale' on the left.

Scottish Ballet is auditioning for extra players in all sections. Applications by Nov 30th.
See http://www.musicalchairs.info/OrchJobsEurNavEnglish.htm .

I have very kindly been sent a blank bassoon fingering chart by James Turbett which you can download by clicking on 'Technique' on the left and then 'Fingerings'.

In the International Munich Music Competition this year, French bassoonist Marc Trénel won first prize. There is a video clip featuring his playing and also a short interview at http://www.br-online.de/br-klassik-english/ard-musikwettbewerb/index.xml .

The Royal Academy of Music in London is this term hosting two bassoon masterclasses. The next one is to be given by Roger Birnstingl (ex LSO etc etc) (http://www.beckerensemble.com/Musicians%20Pages/Roger%20Birnstingl%20page.html)  on Fri 28th Nov 10.00 - 5.00. It is open to the public and admission is free. More details on http://www.ram.ac.uk/ .