Ive been studying violin for 5 years and piano for 2 1/2 (3rd grade in both) and im in year 6. I really love the timbre of the bassoon but just can't afford one-bassoons are like $10 000AUD, that's if you can find one. WHat should I do -1. Try to get a bassoon through the SYO's endangered instruments program, 2. Try and find one at school, 3. forget it and play sousaphone (what-it looks wierd (sousaphone)

Yes, yes and friekin yes, good to see another AUSSIE W00 . anyway it'll be a big change from a violin to a bassoon, but its alot better than a sousaphone. and Bassoonists (in australia) are rare and as such you will be likely to get into a band without much competition. bassoon is a WONDERFUL instrument and if you like its sound, u'll love it even more when you play it. this forum is a good reference for any questions you might have. about aquirring a bassoon, hmmm.. i was lucky enough to find a bassoon to borrow from the IMS (the governments Instrumental Music Service). but not all bassoons are 10,000 AUD, i got a cheap gerada(nooname brand) for 3,000 NEW!. i would say take the big leap and join the ranks of the bassoonists. we are a very noble, exclusive few. i hope that this answers your questions, if you need anything: feel free to email me @devilmak2000@hotmail.com, or instant chat on << that same adress or even PM my account here. i hope to hear from u.

Thnx for that

With that IMS, is that a state of federal thing?

not sure unfortunately, i live in adelaide... .. also, another good idea would to do would be to go onto th Australian double reed society.(ADRS) http://adrs.org.au/. on there there is a new register of teachers and upcoming events, if there was a double reed day in sydney some time soon, you could probobly go and learn a great deal.

Thanks Matt