Bassoon lessons in Amersfoort
Suzanne van Berkum (1991) received her first bassoon lessons from Bernadette Olbers at the age of seven. After years of music lessons at music school, she attended the Young Talent class at the Groningen Conservatory with teacher Mette Laugs, the preparatory course at the Amsterdam Conservatory with Ronald Karten, and the bachelor’s programme at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague with Johan Steinmann. Suzanne is currently studying for her master’s degree at the Amsterdam Conservatory, where she is taught by Jos de Lange, and will graduate in June 2016.
Suzanne has always played in numerous orchestras and ensembles and currently regularly substitutes in various Dutch professional orchestras.
Since 2014, she has been a bassoon teacher at the Hengelo Music School and the Kaliber Art School, and she also teaches in Amsterdam.
In addition to her training at the conservatory, Suzanne completed a bachelor’s degree in Physics and Astronomy at Utrecht University. Since February 2015, she has also been a member of the board of the Bassoon Network, where she serves as secretary.
Lessons take place at the Kaliber Art School in Almelo, at the Hengelo Music School or in Amersfoort (private lessons).
[X]Private bassoon lessons last 30, 45 or 60 minutes, depending on the student’s wishes and the frequency of lessons. At the above-mentioned music schools, the standard lesson duration is 20, 25 or 30 minutes per week. The frequency of lessons is determined in consultation, but beginner bassoonists and/or children are advised to have lessons every week.
[X]All information about the rates for private bassoon lessons can be sent by email on request. The rates applicable at music schools can be found on the relevant websites of these arts education institutions.
[X]Anyone aged 7 or older can start playing the bassoon. If you are young, you may start on a fagottino, a small bassoon designed especially for children, but usually you can start playing a “real” bassoon right away. Adults, whether or not they have experience playing another instrument, can also start playing this versatile bass instrument among the woodwinds.
[X]The bassoon lessons are individual lessons. This allows you to learn how to use all those keys and buttons calmly and thoroughly. In addition, you will of course also quickly start playing together, for example in an orchestra or ensemble, because the bassoon is a true ensemble instrument.
[X]The structure and content of the lessons are tailored entirely to the level, development, interests and any specific goals of the student. However, the bassoon is a real “marathon” instrument: it is not easy to learn, but once you have mastered the basic techniques, you can do some very beautiful (and varied) things with it.
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