Cayla Bellamy, bassoon
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Curriculum and Policies

Basic Curriculum

I believe in a well-rounded music lesson that incorporates elements of music history and theory to inform technical and musical decisions.  Technical skills are developed out of standard pedagogical texts and scale studies, as well as some of my own exercises.  Students should expect to learn selections of the following, based on beginning skill level:

  • Instrument setup, care, and maintenance
  • Posture and basic embouchure/hand position
  • Fundamentals of air support, tone production, articulation, and intonation
  • Vibrato
  • Scales, arpeggios, and related studies in all twelve major keys and three minor forms
  • Technical etudes selected from Weissenborn, Milde, and Rubank studies
  • Standard solo repertoire from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary genres
  • Commonly-asked orchestral excerpts
  • Audition material for All-District Band, All-State Band, and youth honor ensembles
  • Reed adjustment methods and skills
  • Introduction to contrabassoon (pending instrument availability and ensemble need)


Studio Policies

Students and parents can expect me to be timely and respectful in teaching and all communication, to effectively evaluate  performance and growth, and to create a supportive environment for learning.  I actively evaluate my own teaching methods and adapt approaches to meet student needs.  No two students receive the identical lessons or follow identical repertoire plans.

Students are expected to come prepared for each lesson, both in terms of equipment and performance.  A prepared student has learned the technique of assigned studies to the best of his/her ability and has formed opinions on musical gesture and interpretation.  He/She also brings the following to each lesson:

  • Bassoon
  • At least two working reeds
  • Pencil
  • All assigned music
  • Tuner, with the ability to drone
  • Metronome
  • Weissenborn Complete Method (or other assigned collection)
  • Good attitude and readiness to learn

Parents, please take note of the following payment policies.  Payment is due at the beginning of each lesson - if a student's account is not paid in full, the lesson will be rescheduled.  Please make all requests for rescheduling or cancellation of lessons at least 24 hours in advance and remind your students to place reed orders two weeks in advance.  This will enable me to avoid charging fees for travel and time without teaching.

When possible, lessons are taught at the UNI School of Music with a secondary preference to the student's school with the permission of the band director.


University Students

For information on the bassoon studio at the University of Northern Iowa, please visit our studio website.
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  • Home
  • Information
    • News
    • About Me >
      • Biography
      • Bassoonist
      • Conductor
      • New Music Advocacy
  • Gallery
    • Audio and Video
    • Photography
  • Resources
    • My Studio >
      • Curriculum and Policies
      • Teaching Calendar
    • Blog
    • e-Lessons
    • Documents
    • Outside Viewpoints
  • Upcoming Events
  • Services
    • Lessons and Masterclasses
    • Storefront
  • Social
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • LinkedIn
  • Contact