Study bassoon at OAcademy
At OAcademy, we offer aspiring bassoon players an exceptional opportunity to hone their craft under the guidance of world-renowned musicians and mentors.
At the heart of OAcademy’s performance instruction is the Studio Faculty. Simon van Holen, Solo Contrabassoon at the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, is OAcademy's Bassoon Studio Head. Simon guides the learning journey for Orchestra Institute Fellows through group and individual lessons, working on technical development, target core instrumental and orchestral repertoire, delivering guidance on bassoon audition preparation, and preparing Fellows towards performance assignments within the music conservatory's curriculum.
Our weekly masterclasses focus on various performance and technique-related themes, within the overarching streams of: Calibration, Principals and Virtuoso Series, which target core orchestral repertoire, section leading practices, and virtuosity, respectively.
You will learn from top principals from around the world, like Leyla Zamora (San Diego Symphony Orchestra) or Darren Hicks (Toronto Symphony Orchestra).
Orchestral repertoire study sits at the intersection between OAcademy instrumental, leadership and team learning. Guided by some of the world's greatest conductors, like Marin Alsop or Leonard Slatkin, each session brings together the whole orchestra in an immersive exploration of a composer, piece, or theme, with a special emphasis on performing excerpts.
Our leadership training, designed for 21-century musicians, includes cultivating practical familiarity with communication frameworks, such as media, branding, networking, management, and mindset development under the guidance of industry experts.
Why OAcademy?
If you are wondering how to become a professional musician in an orchestra, OAcademy offers a flexible and accessible path forward. You will build essential skills, connect with a global network of peers, prepare for bassoon auditions, and participate in meaningful, collaborative projects—all without needing to relocate or pause your current engagements.
Convenient Schedule
Our blended learning approach will help you balance your studies with your other commitments.
World-Class Faculty
Learn from internationally acclaimed bassoon players from leading orchestras in Europe and North America.
Global Exposure
Engage in a blended learning format that combines online lessons and live sessions, giving you access to expertise from anywhere in the world.
Holistic Artist Development
Gain confidence in performance, audition preparation, digital media creation, networking, and more, helping you stand out in the competitive world of classical music.
International Opportunities
Prepare for prestigious orchestra auditions and immerse yourself in the global music scene through international residencies and collaborations.
360º Career Guidance
Deep dive into the orchestra profession by interacting with principals, section players, lead bassoonists, and conductors to navigate artistic, organizational, and social aspects of the job.