Overview
Hailed as a “soloist, teacher, and force of nature” by The Double Reed, bassoonist Christin Schillinger specializes in the accessibility of the avant-garde, aiming to broaden the audience for 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 dismantle the traditional canon and expand repertoire for bassoon. Her solo albums Bassoon Unbounded (2018), Bassoon Transcended (2013), and Bassoon Surrounded (2009) showcase Schillinger’s “natural interpretation” and “perfect musical choices” in world-premiere recordings of contemporary works for bassoon.
Schillinger is also an active advocate for women in the Art Music Industry, re-imagining a more inclusive, accessible, and inviting performance paradigm. She is the creator of fEMPOWER social networking platform for bassoonists who identify as women. In celebration of her advocacy, Schillinger received a 2024 grant from New York Women Composers, Inc. for which she presented a series of programs showcasing the breadth and depth of New York Women Composers during her 2025 performance season.
Schillinger is a dedicated pedagogue, authoring the 2016 book, Bassoon Reed Making (Indiana University Press). She is on faculty at Ithaca College (home of Ithaca Bassooniversity) and Cornell University.
