Bassoon Studio

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Lamont offers an exceptional environment for bassoonists, combining individualized instruction with world-class resources and performance opportunities. Our studio is vibrant and collaborative, where bassoonists challenge and support one another in pursuit of artistic excellence. Guided by Prof. Martin Kuuskmann, students engage in intensive private lessons, chamber music, performance class, large ensembles, and masterclasses with renowned guest artists. In Lamont’s bassoon studio, students celebrate each other’s successes and push one another to reach new artistic heights.

Audition Requirements

Bassoon Auditions

Studying Bassoon at Lamont

Studying bassoon at the Lamont School of Music under Prof. Martin Kuuskmann offers a dynamic and highly personalized experience designed to help each student thrive both musically and personally.

Professor Kuuskmann’s teaching philosophy centers on the belief that every student is unique. Lessons and guidance are tailored to individual strengths, challenges, and musical goals. Weekly private lessons with Prof. Kuuskmann form the cornerstone of studio life, focusing on developing both technical mastery and expressive depth. A key element of this approach is what Prof. Kuuskmann describes as “singing through the instrument” — using vocal training and an emphasis on air support to unlock a more natural, resonant sound.

Studio class alternates between reed making and focused work on orchestral excerpts and etudes. These sessions also promote peer feedback, creating a collaborative learning environment where students grow together. Performance opportunities are shared equitably among the studio, ensuring that all students gain meaningful stage experience.

Prof. Kuuskmann’s global network of colleagues brings world-class guest artists to Lamont, giving students exposure to a broad range of professional perspectives. Students are also guided in building efficient and healthy practice routines, with strong emphasis on physical and mental wellbeing. Prof. Kuuskmann actively encourages his students to take advantage of Colorado’s stunning natural surroundings as part of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Additionally, Lamont bassoon students benefit from numerous freelance opportunities in the Denver area and beyond — gaining real-world experience while still in school.

Outside the studio, opportunities abound. Lamont’s size allows for personalized attention and meaningful connections, while the city of Denver offers a vibrant music scene with regional orchestras, gigs, and teaching opportunities. Our students are active performers in the community and often get paid work before they even graduate.

If you’re looking for a place to grow as a musician, artist, and individual, the bassoon studio at Lamont offers a vibrant and supportive home.

7-8 bassoon students at Lamont

Over 5 ensembles to participate in each quarter

300+ performance opportunities per year

Faculty

Bassoon students at Lamont study with internationally renowned, multiple Grammy-nominated bassoonist Martin Kuuskmann, 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.

Martin Kuuskmann

Associate Professor, Bassoon

Learn More

Degree Programs

Bassoon section performs with the Lamont Symphony Orchestra

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.

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
Review Requirements for Artist Diploma

Review Requirements for Certificate in Orchestral Studies
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
Review Requirements for Artist Diploma

Review Requirements for Certificate in Orchestral Studies

Life After Lamont

Notable Bassoon Alumni

Lamont students have worked with some of the most prestigious music organizations in the world. Alumni have performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Philadelphia Orchestra, Wolf Trap, Vancouver Symphony, Broadway, the West End, and San Francisco Opera. Lamont composers have premiered works at Carnegie Hall and the Monterey Jazz Festival, and conductors have led orchestras from Brazil to Hungary. Graduates of our Musicology and music theory programs hold posts at prestigious institutions nationwide. And our recording and production students have launched careers in Hollywood, editing soundtracks for films like Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.