About me

Hi! I’m Kahlan Yenney—a freelance bassoonist and private lesson teacher based in Houston, TX. I perform regularly with major orchestras across the U.S., including the Philadelphia Orchestra and Houston Symphony, and I teach bassoon lessons both locally and online via Zoom. I also sell high-quality bassoon reeds. Basically, if it involves a bassoon, I partake—whether that’s playing, teaching, or making reeds that don’t sound like they’ve been through a battle.

As far as performing goes, I sub with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Houston Symphony and have also held the principal bassoon chair with Symphony in C. I find myself traveling during the summer, having attended Music Academy of the West, Berlin Opera Academy and the Aspen Music Festival and School where I am a New Horizons Fellow.

Orchestral, chamber, and solo music all excite me, but many of my favorite programs have been the ones that I’ve built from the ground up.There’s something about creating a performance that’s all yours. Whether it’s a big orchestra, a small group, or just me and my bassoon, I love making it all come together. Some highlights? Soloing with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra in the premiere of Adrian Wong’s triple bassoon concerto Eulogy for a Fallen Tree, and of course tackling the wild Concerto for Bassoon, Harp, Piano, and Strings by Jolivet—an unforgettable journey.

When I’m not doing all of the above, I try to find ways that I can make music accessible and fun for everyone. As the project coordinator for Rice University’s Jump! Outreach Initiative, I help bring live performances and educational programs to communities that might not otherwise experience them—including places like the Ronald McDonald House, where families with seriously ill children can find support.

Originally from Dallas, TX, I started my musical journey on piano at the age of five, but everything changed when I found the bassoon—I was hooked! The bassoon sounds as beautiful as it looks, and I’ve been in love with it ever since. I graduated Highschool at the Interlochen Arts Academy, went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, and am currently wrapping up my Master’s degree at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music.