About Chris Lexow
Composer • Bassoonist • Educator
I’m a composer and bassoonist focused on creating engaging, performer-friendly music for today’s musicians. My work is rooted in strong musical storytelling, practical playability, and a deep understanding of the ensembles and performers I write for.
Whether you’re a student, educator, or performer, my goal is simple: to provide music that is both rewarding to play and meaningful to perform.
Current Roles
Principal Bassoonist — Westerville Concert Band
Principal Bassoonist — Westerville Wind Ensemble
Founder & Composer — Ambis Music
As a Composer
My compositions are designed with real musicians in mind — balancing musical depth with accessibility. I strive to write music that feels natural under the fingers while still offering expressive and artistic opportunities.
My catalog includes works for solo instruments, chamber ensembles, and larger groups, with a particular focus on expanding quality repertoire for bassoon and woodwinds.
Each piece is carefully crafted to be:
- Musically engaging
- Structurally clear
- Performer-friendly
- Educationally valuable
As a Performer
As an active bassoonist, I bring firsthand performance experience into everything I write and teach. I currently serve as Principal Bassoonist with the Westerville Concert Band and Westerville Wind Ensemble.
Performing regularly allows me to stay connected to the needs of musicians and ensembles, which directly informs my approach to composition and instruction.
As an Educator
I offer private bassoon lessons focused on developing strong fundamentals, musical confidence, and individual expression.
My teaching emphasizes:
- Tone development
- Technique and articulation
- Musical interpretation
- Practice strategies
Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, whether they are preparing for auditions, improving fundamentals, or exploring new repertoire.
If you’re interested in performing my music, studying bassoon, or discussing a potential commission, I’d love to connect.
Works in Progress
I’m currently developing several new projects for chamber ensemble, concert band, orchestral, and educational performance settings.
| Title | Instrumentation | Completion Goal | Grade Level | Commission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | SATB Choral | 2026 | Medium + (Grade 3-4) | |
| Progress, Creativity, Evolution | Concert Band | 2026 | Medium + (Grade 3-4) | |
| Portrait | Orchestra | 2027 | Hard (Grade 4-5) | |
| Summer Dreamsicle | Woodwind Quintet | 2026/2027 | Medium (Grade 3) | |
| untitled | Oboe + Piano | 2027 | Medium (Grade 3) |