Bassoon teachers can currently choose from only a few method books, most of which are not designed for the true beginner. Many are largely outdated, and contain insufficient and sometimes incorrect information. This document attempts to rectify the situation with the creation of a new curriculum for beginning bassoon instruction.
The philosophical and technical underpinnings for this new curriculum are borrowed from the Talent Education method of Shinichi Suzuki. While the Suzuki Method is known mostly for its success in teaching very young students, its philosophy is widely applicable, and has been adapted for use in teaching various orchestral wind instruments. There are some elements of Suzuki instruction which lend themselves well to being included in a method book, while some elements must be left to individual teachers. Both categories are discussed in detail. I also suggest the use of the mini-bassoon, or tenoroon, in teaching younger and smaller students.