About the Project

Those who are professional bassoonists with small hands and have established a career, have unique stories to tell. Most have figured out strategies to make things work for them. Whether it is creating alternate fingerings, key modification, choice of bassoon or employment of health and wellness techniques, these musicians can be a source of inspiration and information for all bassoonists.   

 A few professional bassoonists with small hands have been able to establish successful careers for themselves.  Each, I’m sure, has a unique story to tell.  All have figured out strategies around the basic barrier; the standard fingerings for bassoon simply do not work for those with small hands.  Each of these performers has figured out strategies to make things work for them – whether that be alternate fingerings, key modifications, choice of bassoon, or employment of health and wellness techniques.  In meeting the challenges they have faced, the examples of these performers can be a source of inspiration and information for bassoonists who have small hands. This also applies to bassoonists who may have hands that fit the bassoon easily but have a shape to their fingers that does not allow for easy access to any one key.

The reason I have wanted to do this research for the last 20 years is because I want everyone in the bassoon world associated with playing or teaching of the instrument to realize that every individual is unique in both physical and psychological needs. To fit everyone in the same box can be harmful on so many fronts. If one does not understand that there are adaptations that need to take place for small or uniquely-shaped hands, injury can occur—again, both physically and psychologically.

I am grateful to Ellen Barnum for her story and inspiration years ago as well as her contributions and to Leah Kohn who has designed this website and has advised me through this project.

—Janet Polk