Introduction
My name is Tamara Smith and I am a freelance bassoonist in the Tucson area and a private tutor on both bassoon and flute.
I have extensive experience as a freelance artist aboard in China and have performed as a soloist with the Shanghai Baroque Chamber Orchestra. I have been invited to play with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, the Suzhou Symphony, the Shanghai Opera Orchestra and have held the principal bassoon position in both the Shanghai Baroque Chamber Orchestra and the Shanghai International Choral League Orchestra for many years. I was a co-founded the Anemoi Wind Trio in Shanghai and was the primary bassoonist for the Motif Music Wind Quintet. I hold a MM in bassoon performance from the U of A and have been teaching flute to students of all abilities for almost a decade.
I have over eight years of experience maintaining a private studio in Shanghai, China and have taught as a peripatetic music instructor at British schools such as Wellington College Shanghai and Harrow International Shanghai. I accept students of all ages and abilities in either flute or bassoon. I am offering lessons from my home studio near Craycroft and 22nd for both 30 minute and hour lesson times.
In private lessons I make sure that each student has a good base knowledge of music theory, aural training and instrument basics before we begin learning repertoire. I encourage students to participate in two solo performances each year. A basic level of reed making will be taught to each bassoon student if desired with more in depth instruction upon request. Chamber music for wind players is a vital educational tool to encourage listening and cooperation on a smaller level that can be applied to orchestral situations. I require all of my students to perform at least once in a woodwind chamber group before completing their studies. I have a thorough knowledge of both the ABRSM system and the Arizona State and Regional requirements.
Education
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University of Arizona
- August 2006-May 2008 MM in Bassoon Performance
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Northern Arizona University
- August 2002- May 2006 BA in Bassoon Performance
Experience
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OASIS Choral Center
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May 2014-April 2018
Musical Technical Manager and Principal Bassoon
Hire and manage payment and music for Orchestra. Play principal bassoon in concerts.
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Harrow International School Shanghai
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October 2016- April 2018
Woodwind Tutor
Private flute lessons provided during the school day and wind band conducting after school.
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Wellington College Shanghai
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May 2015 - December 2016
Woodwind Tutor
Private flute and bassoon lessons provided during school day and wind band conducting after class.
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YK Pao Primary School, Music Department
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April 2015- June 2016
Woodwind Tutor
Private lessons on flute, clarinet and saxophone provided on Saturday mornings.
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Shanghai Opera Orchestra
- February 12th, 2018 Substitute 2nd Bassoon
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Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble
- October 30th and November 21st, 2015 Substitute Second Bassoon
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Suzhou Symphony Orchestra
- February 13th, 2018 Substitute Bassoon
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Shanghai Baroque Chamber Orchestra
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February 2013- April 2018
Principal Bassoon
Invited to perform the Mozart Bassoon Concerto in Bb Major on October 16th, 2016
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Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra
- 2008-2010 2nd Bassoon with obligation to play 1st
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Anemoi Trio
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December 2013- April 2018
Bassoonist
Founding Member of ensemble
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Motif Music Wind Quintet
- October 2013- March 2015 Bassoonist
