Things to do · Arts and crafts
Learn the bassoon
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The bassoon is a double reed instrument with its own societies of students, amateurs and professionals, and adult wind bands list it among their instruments. You can hire one by the month before you buy, and work through graded exams that ABRSM says may be taken at any age.
Moderate£100 to £500 / $130 to $650MonthsIndoorsAlone or with othersUK and US
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What getting started involves
Most adult learners rent first. Dawkes Music and Howarth of London both rent bassoons with a three-month minimum. At Dawkes, from the fourth month half of each payment builds credit towards a new or used instrument; Howarth instead takes three months' rent off the price if you later buy new from them, and warns there is often a short waiting list.
Graded exams are optional but give you something to aim for. ABRSM offers bassoon at Grades 1 to 8 (there is no Initial grade for woodwind), and its syllabus says candidates may be entered for any grade at any age. Further on, Benslow Music's Bassoon Extravaganza course is aimed at players of Grade 6 and above.
The British Double Reed Society is a charity whose membership is for students, amateurs, professionals and teachers; members get the magazine Double Reed News and access to associate membership of the International Double Reed Society, which describes itself as made up of professionals, students, amateurs and hobbyists.
Ways in compared
| Where | Format | Cost (as last listed) |
|---|---|---|
| Dawkes Music (UK) | Rent a standard-reach bassoon, three-month minimum, UK addresses only; half of each payment from month 4 builds credit towards buying; out of stock when last checked | £130 a month |
| Howarth of London | Long-term bassoon rental, three-month minimum, no maximum; cannot buy the rented instrument | £65 a month (beginner or student), £90 (advanced student) |
| Oldham Music Service, Late Starters band | Adult training wind band, Wednesdays 7.15pm to 8.45pm; needs basic note reading, not for complete beginners; bassoon is listed for the main adult band, which Late Starters feeds into | £71 a term |
| Eastman Community Music School, New Horizons Green Band (Rochester, New York) | Wednesdays 9am to 11am for a year; no previous experience necessary; bring your own instrument | $210 a semester (2026-27) |
| Hickey's Music (US) | Monthly bassoon rental, standard or deluxe; optional monthly damage cover | $94.99 or $169.99 a month; cover $25 |
Levine Music's bassoon lessons are listed for all ages, and its adult Levine Philharmonic is open to players who have studied a woodwind, string or brass instrument for one year. Its page gives no prices, so ask when you enquire.
How to start
- Hire before you buy. Specialist shops rent bassoons by the month with a three-month minimum, and some put part of the rent towards buying one later.
- Find a teacher who takes adults, through a community music school or a double reed society, and ask whether they can help with reeds.
- Ask your local music service or a New Horizons band whether they have an adult learners' band you can join once you can read a few notes.
Where to go
- British Double Reed Society: who we are UK
- Howarth of London: long-term instrument rental UK
- Oldham Music Service: adult community wind band and Late Starters UK
- Eastman Community Music School: New Horizons Green Band (Rochester, New York) US
- Levine Music: bassoon lessons and adult ensembles (Washington DC area) US
- International Double Reed Society
We opened these links on 12 November 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
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Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Courses and classes have start dates and can fill up, so the plan begins with finding and booking one. Kit comes after the first session, once you know what you need.
Questions people ask
Can I learn the bassoon as an adult beginner?
Yes. ABRSM says candidates may take any grade at any age, and Eastman's New Horizons Green Band for adults says no previous experience is necessary.
Can I hire a bassoon rather than buy one?
Yes. Dawkes Music and Howarth of London both rent bassoons by the month with a three-month minimum, and Dawkes credits half of each payment from the fourth month towards buying an instrument.
Is there an Initial grade for the bassoon?
No. ABRSM offers bassoon exams at Grades 1 to 8, and its syllabus says Initial grade is not available for woodwind.
Is there a society for amateur bassoon players?
Yes. The British Double Reed Society's membership includes amateurs and students, and the International Double Reed Society says its members include amateurs and hobbyists.
Where this comes from: British Double Reed Society, Who we are; International Double Reed Society, About; Dawkes Music, Rent a bassoon; Howarth of London, Rental scheme features; ABRSM, Woodwind practical syllabus from 2022 (bassoon); Oldham Council, Adult community wind band; Eastman Community Music School, New Horizons Green Band; Levine Music, Bassoon; Hickey's Music, Rental price charts; Benslow Music, Bassoon Extravaganza. Opened 12 November 2026.
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