Gustavus Adolphus College Department of Music
Trombone Studio
General Expectations
Students enrolled in MUS-254 (Trombone) will demonstrate mastery their instrument through the study of selected works from the standard solo and ensemble literature. Students will be familiar with the performance practices associated with various musical periods, including ornamentation and improvisation. With the assistance of the instructor, every student will develop a daily routine consisting of a warm-up, technical studies and scales. A listing of appropriate methods and solo materials can be found on the Suggested Literature page of this syllabus.
It is critical for a musician to have a clear concept of musical excellence. To that end, your instructor will make regular listening assignments. Recordings of various artists will be disseminated through the Moodle Server.
It is the goal of the instructor for every student to be familiar with solutions for the common problems faced by the majority of brass players. Materials by Arnold Jacobs, Ben van Dijk, Joseph Alessi and others will be discussed during master classes and lessons.
Many opportunities for performance are in place within the Department. Among these are junior and senior recitals, the Monday Night Recitals, Chapel services and juries. Every trombone student can expect to perform on the Monday Night Recitals at least once a year. In addition, all students will perform for juries unless they play a half or full recital during the semester of the juries. This is dependent, of course, on whether you are prepared for a public performance.
Master Classes
All brass players at Gustavus who take lessons are expected to attend the semi-regular master classes. If you cannot attend you must have my approval to attend an alternate class with one of the other brass faculty. Any unexcused absences will effect your grade. I will let you know when and where the classes will meet.
Each master class will have a different topic and may involve special guest artists. These are excellent opportunities to perform, so you will be asked to play for our "captive audience"!
Concerts and Monday Night Recitals
If you do not play a Monday recital you can still go to support your friends. You are required to attend five (5) Monday night recitals and five (5) faculty or ensemble concerts. To get credit for attending a MNR or concert you must turn in a program to meat the end of the semester, along with your Yellow Sheet. Beware of turning in a program from a MNR without actually attending... I am usually there taking attendance. You will not get credit for programs of ensembles of which you are a member.
Attending concerts by the Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and other professional ensembles or solo recitals may fulfill the ensemble concert requirement. Check with the instructor.
Jury Performances
Usually scheduled during the last week of classes, they give every student a chance to show what she/he has learned during the semester. You may have an accompanist if you wish, but make sure that Dr. Esther Wang has assigned you a pianist early in the semester! Simply contact her (ewang2) and supply your piano score. Professional accompanists are available. Please wear something nice for your presentation... no jeans allowed!
Scales
All students will learn major and minor scales. See my Six Days method book for a copy of the scales.
Freshman, All Major Scales, two octave diatonic
Junior, All Harmonic Minor Scales, two octave diatonic
Grade Policy
Your preparation, progress, performance and attendance determine your grade for the semester. Unexcused absences will have a detrimental effect on your grade! If you must miss a lesson make sure you call or leave a message at 6260 at least 24 hours in advance. Students who become suddenly ill are excused from their lessons, but should call me before their lesson time. Your grade is determined from the following criteria:
Progress and preparation 50%
Performance (juries, scales) 20%
Master class attendance 10%
Recital attendance 10%
Listening Assignments 10%
Grading Rubric for Lessons and Performances (thanks to Paul Budde for this):
Judging music is, without doubt, a subjective process. Please pay careful attention to the grading categories listed below, as they will serve as the guidelines for grades during lessons.
A – This student:
i. Arrives to lesson on time and properly warmed up.
ii. Comes with ALL music technically very well prepared.
iii. Demonstrates clear ideas about issues of musicality in their assigned work.
iv. Has done research on the history and background of their music.
v. Demonstrates significant progress on problem areas from previous lessons.
vi. Performs music at a high level of excellence.
B – This student:
i. Arrives to lesson on time and properly warmed up.
ii. Comes with MAJORITY of music technically prepared OR with only small mistakes that don’t break the flow of the performance.
iii. Demonstrates ideas about issues of musicality in their assigned work, but needs more direction and thought.
iv. Has basic understanding of the history and background of their music.
v. Demonstrates progress on problem areas from previous lessons.
vi. Performs music at a level above average.
C – This student:
i. Arrives late to lesson and/or without being properly warmed up.
ii. Comes with music PARTIALLY prepared, but is unable to play without breaks or pauses.
iii. Demonstrates minimal ideas of musicality in their assigned work.
iv. Has done little research on the history and background of their music.
v. Demonstrates some progress on problem areas from previous lessons.
vi. Performs music at an average level.
D – This student:
i. Arrives late to lesson and/or without being properly warmed up.
ii. Comes technically unprepared, but is able to make progress during the lesson.
iii. Has minimal ideas about issues of musicality in their assigned work, but is unable to demonstrate this on their instrument.
iv. Has done little/no research on the history and background of their music.
v. Demonstrates slight progress on problem areas from previous lessons.
vi. Performs music at a level below average.
F – This student:
i. Arrives late to lesson or without being properly warmed up, or just doesn’t show up.
ii. Comes technically unprepared to the extent that little/no progress can be made.
iii. Has not considered or achieved issues of musicality on their assignment.
iv. Has done no research on the history and background of their music.
v. Demonstrates no progress on problem areas from previous lessons.
vi. Performs music at a level below average.
Where to Order Music
Local ordering can be done though the Music Mart in Mankato. You can reach them at 345-1399 (800/882-2896) and they can deliver your order to our music office.
Online ordering has become a quick way to get brass music. Make sure that the ordering form you fill out is a secure document. This is indicated by a closed padlock in the lower left hand corner of the Netscape window. If you are unsure as to the security of a page you can click on the security icon on the Netscape toolbar or simply find an 800 number on the web site and order by phone (except Robert King). The best suppliers are:
Super fast, super nice service.
These are the people who have the new Arban's Methods for low brass instruments.
Was the industry leader, almost 28,000 works for brass. Some students are having problems getting their music out of these folks.
I'd try Hickey's first.
WindSong sells brass texts and breathing devices. You can also find information about Arnold Jacobs and his "psychology of wind".
LINKS:
INSTRUMENTS
