Woodwinds department

The programs in the woodwinds department prepare students for a wide range of careers and help them develop a personal musical and artistic approach that takes into account current developments in artistic practices and the profession.

Special emphasis is placed on the diversity of repertoires, instrumental and stylistic rigor across the various aesthetics covered, and the ability to deliver historically informed performances.

A career as a professional musician encompasses a diverse array of activities:

• Orchestral, instrumental ensemble, or vocal ensemble musician
• Chamber music and performing arts
• Performing arts and cross-disciplinary artistic projects (music, dance, theater, etc.)
• Teacher-musician, conservatory or music school professor (training for the French State Teaching Degree – DE) 

To ensure the best possible professional integration for students, specific department courses are included in the curriculum to expand their skill set:

• Sound production work: tone quality and intonation
• Repertoire study: broadens students’ knowledge of the repertoire in conjunction with historically informed performance
• Organology studies

Introductory modules in musical writing, orchestration, and composition are also offered.

Particular focus is placed on preparing students for orchestral careers through orchestral excerpt classes as well as the Side by Side project. Strong ties have been established with the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine (ONBA), a key partner in student training for both the DE and DNSPM degrees. Students participate in the Side by Side project, where ONBA musicians mentor them in symphonic orchestral performance ahead of a concert included in the Opéra National Bordeaux Aquitaine’s official season.

Dedicated “Petite Harmonie” workshops allow students to study orchestral repertoire in sectionals—a hands-on laboratory where they deepen their understanding of major works featuring prominent woodwind parts.

Woodwind department students benefit from active integration into regional networks, such as the “association des clarinettistes”, “L’orchestre d’harmonie de Bordeaux” and “la musique des forces aériennes”.

The chamber music curriculum is specifically designed to highlight woodwinds through regular concerts throughout the year and joint sessions with other departments.

Students in the woodwind department benefit from active integration into regional networks, such as the clarinet association.