Course Syllabus

MUSC 4656 Private Brass IV

Course Description

This course provides students with individual brass instruction. Private instruction is required of music majors each semester during college. Music majors receive 12 50-minute lessons each semester. The course is repeatable for credit. This course develops and improves technical, interpretive, sight reading, pedagogical, improvisational skills, and understanding of the history and repertory of the specific instrument/voice. A jury is required at the end of the semester. Students must successfully pass the jury at the end of their second semester of 3000 level private instruction in order to register for 4000 level private instruction. An additional fee is required.

Justification

As an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), Snow College is required to provide competent private instruction for music majors in all vocal and instrumental specialties. Private instruction is required of music majors in four-year music degree programs and must appear on student transcripts. This course offers an excellent opportunity for all Snow College students to develop musicianship and performance skills. Courses of this type are taught at all NASM accredited institutions in Utah.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to maintain consistent practice habits, and keep track of practice hour using a practice journal or log sheet
2. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate established technique skills necessary to perform repertoire from an intermediate to advanced/professional level
3. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have mastered repertoire appropriate for an advanced grade level.
4. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have memorized selected repertoire for public performance/jury (where appropriate).
5. Upon successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate mastery of selected musical literature (appropriate to skill level) from a wide variety of stylistic periods, including appropriate style and expressive artistry.

Course Content

Areas of skill and knowledge development may include: • Practice journal development• Continuing work on body posture including embouchure, hand and feet positions, and breathing techniques• Advanced technique study, including use of vibrato and performance in extreme ranges• Advanced focus on instruction in performance practice appropriate to stylistic periods• Continuing development of tone strength and quality within all ranges of the instrument• Development of dynamic ranges appropriate to all types of literature• Study of languages necessary to perform music appropriately• Study of major and minor scales and arpeggios• Study of method books and etudes appropriate to student playing level• Study of solo repertoire appropriate for senior college students and/or the individual level of the student• Development of performance technique, including memorization techniques, stage deportment and anxiety management