Elias Novais

Elias Novais has been an active bassoonist and music educator for over seven years. Elias has extensive orchestral experience, serving as second bassoon and contrabassoon for the Orquestra 2 de Julho (NEOJIBA), a frequent guest musician with the Orquestra Sinfônica da Bahia (OSBA), and a featured soloist with the Federal University of Bahia Symphony Orchestra (OSUFBA). Through his work as a pedagogical monitor with the PROMS program at NEOJIBA, Elias has gained valuable experience teaching music in regional community centers. He understands that building a strong musical foundation and fostering enthusiasm are paramount to a young musician's success from day to day.

Elias holds a Bachelor of Music in Bassoon Performance from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), where he studied with Jean Marques, Principal Bassoon of OSBA. His training includes international festivals and masterclasses with renowned bassoonists such as Giorgio Mandolesi, Fábio Cury, and Carlos Bertão. The tutelage of these great musicians, combined with international touring experience—including sharing the stage with legendary pianist Maria João Pires across Europe—has fostered a deep love for musical performance and education. A multifaceted musician with skills in saxophone, piano, drums, and voice, Elias is passionate about sharing the joy of music and bassoon playing with students of all levels.

My teaching philosophy is centered around building a solid technical foundation while keeping the joy of music-making alive. Drawing from my pedagogical experience and years playing in professional and youth orchestras, I understand that every student learns differently. Whether you are a complete beginner holding the bassoon for the first time or an advanced player preparing for auditions, I tailor each lesson to fit your individual goals and learning pace.

In our lessons, you can expect to focus on:

• Fundamentals: Developing healthy breathing techniques, proper posture, and a relaxed, efficient embouchure for a beautiful tone.

• Technical Proficiency: Building agility and confidence through scales, arpeggios, and standard bassoon methods.

• Musical Expression: Exploring phrasing, dynamics, and interpretation across a diverse repertoire.

• Orchestral Preparation: For advanced students, we can dive into standard orchestral excerpts and the nuances of playing second bassoon or contrabassoon within an ensemble.

My broader musical background—including experience with saxophone, piano, and voice—allows me to bring a comprehensive approach to music theory and ear training. My ultimate goal is to provide a patient, welcoming, and motivating environment where you feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions, and growing as a musician.