Jessica Findley Yang

Jessica Findley Yang is a professional freelance bassoonist and reed-maker based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, serving as Principal Bassoon of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra and Lecturer in the Department of Music at Macalester College.

Her educational background includes bassoon performance degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the University of Kansas, where she studied under William Winstead, Martin Garcia, Eric Stomberg, Maya Stone, Nathaniel Zeisler, and Merrilee Tuinstra.

Her professional focus spans orchestral performance, music pedagogy, and reed craftsmanship. As owner of Jiffy Reeds (www.jiffyreeds.com), she supplies reeds internationally and conducts masterclasses on reed-making techniques at collegiate programs.

Her performance accolades include winning the Texas Music Festival concerto competition and MDRS Young Artist Competition (2013), plus second place in the Meg Quigley Vivaldi Competition (2016).

• Texas Music Festival concerto competition (2013)
• MDRS Young Artist Competition (2013)
• Meg Quigley Vivaldi Competition (second place, 2016)

She maintains active teaching roles at Macalester College and through private instruction, following previous positions at Xavier University and the University of Tennessee. Her performance career encompasses principal roles with the Minnesota Opera Orchestra and Central City Opera Orchestra, alongside guest appearances with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Colorado Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, and other major ensembles.

Ms. Yang balances her artistic career with family life, spending time with her husband and young son while pursuing culinary interests and board games.