When you study bassoon at CIM, your playing will develop through weekly private lessons with practicing professionals. Your private instruction focuses on performance not only for bassoon, but also opportunities to study contrabassoon. 

As a woodwind student you’ll also be part of a department that’s designed to maintain a carefully balanced enrollment. This means that you’re ensured ample performance experience in a broad spectrum of musical groups, including rotations in two orchestras, new music ensemble and chamber music.

Learn how Conservatory faculty member Barrick Stees prepares his students for success.

Alumni Success

Meet Gareth Thomas

Gareth Thomas

After Gareth Thomas graduated from CIM in 2009, he didn’t waste any time launching his orchestral career. Thomas earned his master’s degree at Northwestern University in 2010, and soon won the position of principal bassoon in the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. He played there until October 2014, when he achieved what he described as “the musical highlight” of his career so far—winning his audition for The Cleveland Orchestra. Thomas returned to Cleveland in January 2015 to perform as second bassoon with his undergraduate professor from CIM: John Clouser, principal bassoonist of the Orchestra.

Concerts and events

Apr 7 Sun
12:00 pm
First Master of Music Recital: Ki Hoon Rim, bassoon
Woodwinds, Conservatory Student Recitals
Apr 14 Sun
1:30 pm
Senior Recital: Normandy Leach, oboe
Woodwinds, Conservatory Student Recitals
Apr 14 Sun
3:30 pm
First Master of Music Recital: Harue Suzuki, flute
Woodwinds, Conservatory Student Recitals
Apr 14 Sun
5:30 pm
Junior Recital: Weichien (Gina) Huang, clarinet
Woodwinds, Conservatory Student Recitals
Apr 16 Tue
4:30 pm
Junior Recital: Shane Herbert, clarinet
Woodwinds, Conservatory Student Recitals