SYLLABUS FOR APPLIED STUDY
TUBA / EUPHONIUM
It is hope that my document ( in conjunction with the School of Music Information Guide ) will guide you through this course of study. The knowledge and expertise gained on ones' instrument is among the most important aspects of your total musical development. Do not take it lightly! Learn to play your instrument, and learn to play it well!!!
- Professor John R. Jones
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
I. Performance
Large and Small Ensembles. It is the intent of this course to encourage and promote a high standard of performance on your chosen instrument. With this in mind, students registered for major study will be required to perform in a designated large ensemble every semester (which for this studio instrumentation would be band). It is also highly recommended that students participate in chamber music (i.e. brass quintets, quartets, and other small ensembles/). The Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble is offered every term and all majors are required to participate.
Convocations. After a student has received credit for one semester of major study they are required to perform on at least one convocation per semester. If a student fails to appear on a convocation, a grade of "Incomplete" or "F" will be recorded for that particular semester. This obligation may also be met by a solo public performance under the auspices of the School of Music.
Juries, Recitals and Comprehensive Exams. At the end of each semester, a jury exam is required of all students registered for applied study (a full solo degree recital may be substituted for a jury). A solo senior recital* is required for all tuba/ euphonium performance majors. Others are strongly encouraged to give solo recitals* during their course of study. (*These may require a recital hearing before the brass area). Additionally, before students are admitted to senior college study, each student must pass a comprehensive examination on your major instrument. This exam is adjudicated by members of the School of Music faculty.
II. Lesson Requirements
All assigned materials are to be prepared in a manner that shows sufficient progress and improvement. This is accomplished through diligent practice on a daily basis. Each major should devote a minimum of two (2) hours of practice on their major instrument every day. This is in line with the policy stated in the School of Music Information Guide (available from the main office). Certainly there will be times when an individual will encounter difficulties meeting this time frame; likewise, there will be times when a student can go beyond the two hour requirement. It would be wise to allow yourself time (or times) in your daily schedule to get your practice time completed. Neglect of this aspect of performance study will show in your lessons!
Specific goals should be set at the end of each lesson. Students should evaluate all areas covered in the lesson and work to improve them. The majority of your work will focus on the performance of etudes, supplemental excersises, solo repertoire, and band/orchestral literature. These materials will cover many aspects of playing which contribute to the whole instrumental musician, such as tone production, technique, articulation, range extension, legato playing, scales, arpeggios, multiple tonguing, flexibility, repertory knowledge and post importantly, making music.
GRADING AND ATTENDANCE POLICY
Grades will be based on the following: Lesson achievement (a weekly grade is assigned each lesson), juries, semester scale exams, master-class attendance/ participation, Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, and other special events deemed significant for studio participation. Students will receive a weekly lesson. Regular and lesson attendance is expected. Cancellation or rescheduling of lessons should be made 24 hours in advance, except in emergency situations. Students who do not show up for scheduled lessons will receive a grade of "F". Students will be given a 15 minute "grace period" for tardiness; after this time the student will be deemed absent from the scheduled lesson and a grade of "F" will be given.
Students deemed as "not prepared" by the major-area teacher may be dismissed from their lessons at any time, and will be given a grade of "F". Any lesson receiving a grade of "F" will not be made up. If lessons are missed or canceled by the major-area teacher, it will be rescheduled. Grades will be administrated according to the following scale.
A - represents work of excellent quality
B - represents work of good, above average quality
C - represents work of average quality
D - represents work that is below average
F - represents work that is not of acceptable quality
Students are expected to attend all solo and ensemble performances of the major area teacher, as well as all recital performances of your colleagues in the tuba-euphonium studio. (Unavoidable conflicts which may prevent any student from attending a required event should be brought to the attention of the major-area teacher well in advance. Deliberation regarding conflicts will be given careful consideration, and all decisions will be final). All of these factors will be taken into consideration at the end of each grading period.
During your residence at the School of Music, you should strive to attend as many recitals and concerts as you can, especially those which involve performances outside of the brass area. These would include the Symphonic Band, choruses, jazz bands and combos, Symphony Orchestra, performances from the vocal, string, and piano areas, visiting artists, the Bach Society, and the Louisville Orchestra. Please take advantage of all of these musical offerings around you, and use them as stepping stones toward your overall musical development.
