Cullen Blain Bassoon

Flexible and open to support your planning needs. I usually like to arrive up to 1 hour early for setup as needed. Performances of: 45 - 75 minutes are continuous music; 90-120 min, 45 min of continuous music, 10min break before second set; 2-4 hours, require three 15 minute breaks. Let me know if you have any questions or additional requests, I am happy to work with you!

Cullen Blain is a dynamic soloist and chamber musician based in San Diego. He has performed locally with ensembles such as the La Jolla Symphony, North Coast Symphony, and New City Sinfonia. Throughout California, he has played with the SF Bay Area Rainbow Symphony (BARS), the Google Orchestra, Peninsula Symphony, and Redwood Symphony. Some of his professional engagements across the country include performances with West Bay Opera, Dayton Philharmonic, Cincinnati Chamber Opera, Springfield Symphony, Queen City Opera, Kentucky Symphony, Opera in the Ozarks, Thomaston Opera House, and Warner Theater productions.

Cullen studied bassoon under the guidance of William Winstead, Martin James, Brian Kershner, and Donald Bravo. He holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) and a Master of Music (MM) in Bassoon Performance from the College-Conservatory of Music, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Central Connecticut State University. He has performed under the direction of renowned conductors such as Keith Lockhart and Paavo Järvi, and alongside iconic acts like The Who and Four Tops. Additionally, he has had the honor of performing with jazz legend Lew Soloff and the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. He is a fellow of the Pierre Monteux School and attended the CCM Spoleto Festival.

As an educator, Cullen’s leadership and teaching experiences highlight his commitment to expanding access to music education through significant community outreach and engagement. His extensive teaching career includes roles such as teaching PK-8th grade general music, serving as the Music4Schools Program Manager at the Community School of Music and Arts, and currently, working as the School District Program Manager at Bertrand's Music Enterprises. He also serves on the board of the International Academy of Jazz San Diego.

10- 15 feet of distance from audience for best acoustics. If event is outside, between 55-88 degree Fahrenheit recommended, with shade if possible. I will bring music stand, stand light, chair, tent/umbrella, etc. if needed.