Bassoon students at Lamont study with internationally renowned, multiple Grammy-nominated bassoonist Martin Kuuskmann. Prof. Kuuskmann is one of the most sought-after bassoonists on the classical music scene. He has been featured as a soloist and recording artist with the New York and London Philharmonics, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra, and many others.
Our bassoon studio takes full advantage of Lamont's diverse performance opportunities, participating in ensembles including symphony orchestra and opera, as well as chamber, world and contemporary groups.
Auditions
Applicants may choose to either audition in person in Denver OR submit a recorded video audition.
Applications received after January 15 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You may indicate your preference for a live or virtual audition on the Lamont application.
Click here to view the current year’s audition dates and the full steps for how to apply.
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In-Person Audition Requirements
All auditions are approximately 15 minutes in length. The applicant will choose one of their prepared works to perform. The faculty will choose the second of the prepared works and possibly an additional work as well.
Undergraduate (BM, BA and Minor)
- One major and one minor scale (harmonic or melodic), using the complete range of the instrument up to a high B or C depending on the key
- One etude from Milde Scale or Concert Studies
- Two complete works from contrasting periods (sonata, concerto or one movement work)
- Two contrasting orchestral excerpts
- Knowledge of transpositions/clefs where applicable
- Sight-reading might be requested
Graduate (MM and Certificate in Performance)
- One major and one minor scale (harmonic or melodic), using the complete range of the instrument up to a high B or C depending on the key
- Two contrasting etudes from Milde Concert Studies
- Two complete works from contrasting periods; one work must be a concerto and one work must be from the 20th century
- Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro Overture and one other contrasting orchestral excerpt
- Knowledge of transposition/clefs where applicable
- Sight-reading might be requested
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Video Audition Requirements
Applicants unable to travel to Denver for a live audition may submit a video audition via the Lamont application. Repertoire may be recorded separately in multiple takes; editing within each take is prohibited.
Undergraduate (BM, BA and Minor)
- One major and one minor scale (harmonic or melodic), using the complete range of the instrument up to a high B or C depending on the key
- One etude from Milde Scale or Concert Studies
- Two complete works from contrasting periods (sonata, concerto or one movement work)
- Two contrasting orchestral excerpts
- Knowledge of transpositions/clefs where applicable
- Sight-reading might be requested
Graduate (MM and Certificate in Performance)
- One major and one minor scale (harmonic or melodic), using the complete range of the instrument up to a high B or C depending on the key
- Two contrasting etudes from Milde Concert Studies
- Two complete works from contrasting periods; one work must be a concerto and one work must be from the 20th century
- Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro Overture and one other contrasting orchestral excerpt
- Knowledge of transposition/clefs where applicable
- Sight-reading might be requested
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Martin Kuuskmann.
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Martin Kuuskmann leading a masterclass in Australia.
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Martin Kuuskmann leading a masterclass in Australia.
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Martin Kuuskmann leading a masterclass in Australia.
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Martin Kuuskmann leading a masterclass in Australia.
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Martin Kuuskmann leading a masterclass in Australia.
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Lamont bassoon students participating in a masterclass with Frank Morelli.
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Lamont bassoon students participating in a masterclass with Frank Morelli.
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Lamont bassoon students participating in a masterclass with Bang on a Can.
