Carl Gardner

Carl Gardner is a bassoonist, educator, and active-duty musician who serves on the music faculty at Colorado State University Pueblo. He is also a member of the United States Air Force Academy Band, where he performs with the Concert Band and in chamber music throughout the region.

Originally from California, Gardner earned his Bachelor of Music in Bassoon Performance from the Oberlin Conservatory, studying with George Sakakeeny, and his Master of Music from the Yale School of Music, where he studied with Frank Morelli. He has also pursued doctoral studies in Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music. His additional graduate work includes a Master of Music through The Orchestra Now at Bard College, with an emphasis in curatorial, critical, and performance studies.

As an orchestral and chamber musician, Gardner has performed with ensembles including the Colorado Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Albany Symphony, Fresno Philharmonic, and Colorado Springs Philharmonic. His work as a chamber musician includes performances, educational outreach, and the development of repertoire for woodwind ensembles.

At CSU Pueblo, Gardner teaches applied bassoon with an emphasis on developing strong fundamentals, musical independence, and the practical skills necessary for students to become confident performers and educators. His teaching draws on a broad range of professional experience in orchestral, chamber, military, and educational settings.