Project Description:

The Women Bassoonist Database Project is focused on creating a comprehensive historical database that documents the earliest women and non-men who play the bassoon, the sexism they faced, and the support they gave to one another. The history of women bassoonists is noticeably short considering the centuries of rich history that men have enjoyed on the instrument. The belief that the bassoon is a “masculine” instrument, appropriate for only men, was very widespread until relatively recently. In fact, many of our first notable, female bassoonists are still actively performing and paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps. Given that we are making history everyday as female bassoonists, it is essential that we understand our past. It is my aim to compile and preserve this history so it can be used to help ensure that women are able to contribute to the bassoon community in meaningful and impactful ways.

Get Involved:

If you identify as a woman or non-male (trans and non-binary bassoonists encouraged to participate) bassoon player, please consider adding your name and information to this database; it will serve as a critical historical record for generations of bassoonists to come!

To access the current Women Bassoonist Database (U.S. & Canada only), please click HERE. If you would like to add yourself to the database, or make a correction to an existing entry, please use the form below! You can also reach me directly through EMAIL.