MEET THE PENN STATE BASSOON STUDIO!
The Penn State Bassoon Studio is led by bassoonist and composer Dr. Margaret P. Fay. Whether you want to major in music or continue your bassoon studies while pursuing a second passion, Penn State has the program for you! All Penn State bassoon students receive weekly private lessons, participate in a weekly bassoon studio performance classes, play in a large ensemble, perform in bassoon studio recitals, and have the opportunity to work with special guests. Penn State owns a contrabassoon and several high-quality bassoons that are available for use in student ensembles and lessons. Bassoon majors and minors have access to a fully-equipped reed room.
The Penn State School of Music hosts hundreds of concerts and events every year in its two stunning performance halls: the Recital Hall and Eisenhower Auditorium. Non-music majors are welcome to audition for student ensembles and private lessons for credit, and enroll in certain music courses.
Here at Penn State, we thrive on helping our bassoon students achieve their individual musical goals and strive to create a studio environment that is congenial, industrious, and buzzing with creativity. If you are a bassoonist who is interested in pursuing studies at Penn State, in music or any other discipline, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Fay via e-mail to set up a trial lesson (virtual or in-person), arrange a tour, ask any bassoon-related questions, or simply to introduce yourself.
Penn State School of Music Website
Undergraduate Audition Requirements
Graduate Audition Requirements
AUDITION DATES FOR FALL 2026 ADMISSION
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Other dates are possible. Contact Dr. Fay to request another date.
UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC PROGRAMS AT PENN STATE
Bachelor of Music (Composition or Performance)
GRADUATE MUSIC PROGRAMS AT PENN STATE
I'm pleased to announce that there is an open Bassoon TA position at Penn State for a master's student who would like to start in Fall 2026! The Penn State School of Music also offers a limited number of graduate assistantships in other areas that are not instrument-specific. Anyone interested in attending Penn State for graduate studies in bassoon is encouraged to contact Dr. Fay at any time to schedule a trial lesson and discuss funding possibilities. The Professional Performance Certificate in Music (PPC) is an extremely affordable program for motivated students who have completed a Bachelor of Music and seek flexibility in their studies. PPC Tuition for the entire academic year is only $2,000 ($2500 for international students).
Master of Music (Performance, Composition, or Conducting)
Master of Arts in Music (Music History or Music Theory)
Professional Performance Certificate in Music
Fall 2025 Special Guests
Jim Rodgers, Principal Contrabassoonist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Monday, September 15, 2025
Dr. Jason Worzbyt,
Bassoon Master Class
Friday, October 17, 2025
1:00 p.m. Master Class (MB II, room 122)
PSU Woodwind Day: October 12, 2025, Penn State School of Music
A free event for all middle and high school woodwind players, featuring master classes, faculty performances, and group instruction by instrument
Link to more information and registration:
https://sites.psu.edu/wwday/about-registration/
Fall Visit Day: October 13, 2025, Penn State School of Music
Come learn more about the many programs offered by Penn State's School of Music, meet music faculty and students, sit in on ensembles, and have a trial lesson.
https://apply.psu.edu/register/?id=dbbfcac2-50cb-4e83-96f4-e2bf1471cfaa
Bassoon Studio Recital: November 7, 2025, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall
Featuring all members of the Penn State Bassoon Studio
Mosaic: December 7, 2025, 4:00 p.m., Eisenhower Auditorium
Penn State's annual School of Music showcase featuring faculty and students ensembles
PSU Double Reed Day: January 25, 2026, Penn State School of Music
A fun-filled afternoon of double reed events, including a faculty recital, master classes, reed workshops, and a double reed ensemble reading session. All events are open to double reed players and enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
PSU Bassoon Recital: April 16, 2026, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall
Featuring all members of the Penn State Bassoon Studio
Margaret P. Fay
Bassoonist. Composer. Music Theorist.