Faculty

Hailed as a “soloist, teacher, and force of nature” by The Double Reed (Journal of the International Double Reed Society), bassoonist Christin Schillinger(she/hers) specializes in the accessibility of the avant-garde, aiming to broaden the audience for both new music and bassoon. American Record Guide refers to her playing as “full of life and inspiration.” “She plays [bassoon] with total mastery.” (Fanfare) 

Schillinger works closely with living composers to broaden and diversify repertoire for bassoon. Her solo albums, Bassoon Unbounded (2018), Bassoon Transcended (2013), and Bassoon Surrounded (2009) showcase world-premiere recordings of contemporary works. Collaborative composers remark on Schillinger’s “natural interpretation” and “perfect musical choices.” 

Schillinger is an active advocate for womxn in the Art Music Industry. As creator of the fEMPOWER social networking platform, Schillinger envisions a more inclusive, supportive, accessible, and inviting performance paradigm for womxn bassoonists. In celebration of her advocacy, Schillinger was named a 2024 New York Women Composers, Inc. grant recipient. 

As a dedicated pedagogue, Schillinger authored the 2016 book Bassoon Reed Making (Indiana University Press). She is currently on faculty at Ithaca College, home of Ithaca Bassooniversity. Previously, Schillinger has held positions with Miami University, the University of Nevada, and various orchestras throughout the United States. Schillinger received her degrees from Northwestern, Michigan State, and Arizona State Universities.

When not bassooning ... Schillinger enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, Roscoe & Hilde.