Bohanan Bassoon Studio
About
About the Studio:
Over the duration of the Bohanan Bassoon studio, I have instructed 50+ students on bassoon while teaching in public education, instructing multiple programs of 350+ students in mixed ensembles. Multiple students have received college scholarships to perform in University Ensembles, while pursuing their degrees. Most, if not all my students have held a position in their All-State or Regional Band competitions with some holding high positions in national summer festival orchestras. I have 3 years’ experience directing lessons online, and 7 years in person.
What we do:
It is my belief and experience that students learn at different paces and in different ways. Through my instruction, I utilize a variety of instructional strategies to help the student understand and master the fundamentals of the instrument.
What does a typical lesson look like?
Lessons typically follow a set schedule depending on how prepared the student is. A normal lesson consists of long tones, scales, method book exercises, and any schoolwork or audition material pertinent to the student. Advanced high school students will learn to adjust and craft their own bassoon reeds.
About Mr. Bohanan:
Mr. Bohanan received his BA with an emphasis in Instrumental Music Education from Oklahoma State University. During his time at the university, he performed for multiple Band, Choral, and Orchestra Director Associations across the US and Japan. Mr. Bohanan has also performed in chamber ensembles, orchestras, and choirs. Currently he teaches online lessons as well as in-person lessons to the New York area. Mr. Bohanan also enjoys art history, museums, books, opera, and walking with his dog Jefferson.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new student, I start by assessing where they are in their playing ability. Examples of this would be to ask them to play a scale or listen to a piece they have been working on in band class. I also will always ask where they are getting their reed from and why.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BA in Instrumental Music Education from Oklahoma State University where I served as the principle bassoon in the OSU Wind Ensemble and Orchestra for the greater duration of my time there. I have frequently performed masterworks with the Oklahoma State University Choral Ensemble such as Handel’s Messiah, and Mozart as well as Verdi Requiems. Over my career, I have instructed over 500 students in music on various instruments in beginning, jazz, marching, and concert band settings.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing:
$40 for 30-minute lessons
$80 for hour lessons
Reeds:
$20 for non-students + shipping
$20 for students
How did you get started teaching?
Attending a university in a small town has a few perks, one of them being that there are not many bassoon players around. When I started teaching it was because there was a demand for bassoon teachers in my immediate town. The local band programs needed someone to start their beginners and high school students. I was referred 1 student at the time. Two months after, she made top chair in her local ensemble and made superior ratings at state contest. Soon after, I was referred 6 more students within 1 year by the local schools, some driving up to an hour just for a 30-minute lesson and eventually, I was teaching over 55 students and secured multiple teaching contracts with the public schools state wide. Watching these students improve their discipline skills and achieve their goals was very inspiring to me, and it is a process that I am enormously proud to be a part of.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students from kindergarten to college. I have worked with students that have attention challenges, behavior challenges as well as students in a variety of situations.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
This year, my first private bassoon student graduated high school with muliple scholarship offers to multiple universities.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
When you are looking for a private lessons instructor you are looking for the following:
· Someone who is a master at their craft
· Someone that you resonate with (its hard to learn from a teacher you do not like)
· Someone that will push you to do your best and give you the tools to do so
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think about their long-term and short-term goals. Once this has been considered the student should also ask themselves how much work they are willing to give to these goals. Musical technique is a muscle, it must be used often, or it will atrophy.