Bassoon Reed Shop

Bassoon Reedmaker Bio

Dr. Kari Shea is a freelance bassoonist and educator in the Maryland, Metro D.C. area.  Currently performing as bassoonist and contra bassoonist with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra and as a member of the Gallery Winds Woodwind Quintet, she teaches at Anne Arundel Community College.

Dr. Shea has performed throughout the United States and Europe with such ensembles as the Forest Philharmonic in London, England, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Opera, the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, the Mississippi Symphony and the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra.  She has also performed on chamber concert series in France, Sweden and Nova Scotia and has served as a faculty member of Millikin University and Frederick Community College. Dr. Shea holds degrees from the University of Illinois (D.M.A.), the State University of New York at Stony Brook (M.M.), and the University of Southern Mississippi (B.M.ed).

Dr. Shea has been making bassoon reeds for over 30 years.  Studying reed making technique with James Kopp, author of The Bassoon, she worked as his assistant for over 15 years.

Bassoon Reed Orders ship much faster than oboe reeds. If you have any questions, please email Dr. Shea here.

Bassoon Reeds

Bassoon Reed Articles

Playing the Room

You have probably heard people discuss the different acoustical aspects of a room- this room is dry or this room is resonant- and shared ways to perform...

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Changing Seasons

Are you starting to notice that the reed that had been playing amazingly well is now feeling like a wet sock or is feeling really hard?  What time...

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Reviews:


I am an amateur bassoonist and have always relied on commercially available reeds. Over about 30 years, I have gotten reeds from numerous different sources. Some were pretty good, others were disappointing. In the last few years, I started getting reeds from Dr Shea. Now I don’t use any other reeds. They produce a delicious, full sound and are very responsive in all registers. They are a delight to play on. Beyond the reeds themselves, getting reeds from Dr Shea is a two-way interaction. She listens to customers’ wishes and makes an effort to produce reeds that satisfy them personally. And if required, she can provide reeds that are particularly suited for a desired musical context. I enthusiastically recommend these reeds.
Chris

The best bassoon reeds I have ever ordered! I love their rich and open sound. And the ease of playing? *chef’s kiss* Playing Dr. Shea’s reeds have allowed my fortes to be so much richer and made cutting through for wind band solos easier in a way I haven’t been able to do before on other reeds without sacrificing my piano or tenor playing. I look forward to ordering them again!
Jaz

I exclusively play with Kari Shea’s reeds and have been a very satisfied customer for over 15 years. Kari’s reeds are ready to play out of the box. They are flexible and responsive, allowing me to play with a warm, round tone in all registers and dynamics. They are equally appropriate for solo and orchestral settings.
Scott