I'm in eighth grade and I've just switched from playing flute to bassoon in my school concert band except I'm practicing at home for a while before I start playing it at school.

I have been having difficulties with low F (the one that hangs right below the staff in bass clef). Sometimes when I play it it comes out as the F that's one octave above. The same thing happens with some other low notes but not quite as often as low F.

I was also wondering what I could practice to build on tone specifically because my tone on some notes (e.g. E flat and B flat) is awful.

If any of you have tips on that, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,
m_wooster

its possible that your fingers aren't covering the holes all the way. Check to make sure. It could be something else though. And good reeds will definitely help your tone. I advise you get a good teacher who can make reeds for you. Hope that helped at least a little bit!

Thank you

I agree with blueeyedbassoon.

Also is the whisper key closing firmly? If you don't always put the wing joint in the boot at the appropriate position every time it might not be closing.
Other problems include 1. keys intermittently sticking slightly open; 2. damaged bocal with a slight slit in it; 3. reed problems, embouchure & breath support.

Do you have a bassoon teacher? Any competent one will help you progress more rapidly than trying to work it out for yourself or asking on forums. I know that this is a rare breed in many parts of the world but worth searching one out.

Good luck.

I agree with blueeyedbassoon Great job blueeyedbassoon I was a bassoon major at Oberlin from 75-79

Thanks guys. I'm no expert, but an avid student. Getting a teacher was the best thing I ever did!