Objective: This course is designed to provide tonal/musical concepts, performance and practice techniques, and a working knowledge of the standard literature, so that you will develop musical proficiency in a variety of styles on the trombone or bass trombone.

Format: Each student will receive one private lesson per week (14 per semester). Lesson times will be arranged after registration is completed each semester. The lesson length is determined by the number of credit hours in which you are registered -

    3 hours credit = 1 hr. lesson
    2 hours credit = .5 hr. lesson

In addition to the weekly lesson, Studio Class meets weekly, Tuesday at 3:00, place TBA

Attendance: Attendance is required at all lessons and studio classes. Lessons not given due to my absence will be made up. Excused absences will be made up if I am given prior notification. Absences excused after the fact will be made up my schedule allows.

In the unlikely event of an unexcused absence from a lesson, the lesson will not be made up and the student will receive an F for that lesson.  A second unexcused lesson will not be made up and the student will receive a grade of F for that lesson.  A third (!) unexcused absence from a lesson indicates to me a complete lack of commitment and will result in a failing grade for the course.  This policy applies to make-up lessons as well as regularly scheduled lessons.

Certain performances will be required throughout the semester. You will be notified of these required recitals and concerts early each semester.

Grades: Final semester grades will be determined with the following percentages:

    65% weekly private lessons
         Each lesson will be graded and averaged to determine this portion of the grade.
    20% playing exam(s)
    15% attendance, studio class performance and participation
 

    Weekly private lessons have several purposes:

    1) to provide the motivation for consistent improvement
    2) to make suggestions for continued refinement
    3) to guide the practice sessions
    4) to monitor the student's progress over time

Assignments will be made regularly based on my assessment of your needs. You are strongly encouraged to take responsibility for your own progress. Daily practice is expected.  The amount of practice time will vary from person to person and their specific degree requirements. Generally, as a minimum, it is recommended that those taking hour lessons (3 credits) practice at least 2 hours per day (15-20 hours per week).  Those taking half-hour lessons should practice at least 1 hour per day (7-10 hours per week).  Please keep in mind that these suggestions are minimum requirements.

The level of preparation demonstrated in the lesson reflects not only the relative success of the preceding practice sessions, but also the consistent application of techniques and concepts in other performance situations.  In other words, always apply what we are working on in the lessons.

Exams:  A playing exam will be administered toward the end of each semester.  All students registered for applied music will be required to perform.  Exceptions may be made for those who performed a recital in that semester, only with my permission.  Every effort will be made to help you find an accompanist for this exam.   The final responsibility for securing an accompanist rests on you.

Ensemble Participation:  College of Music policy states: "All undergraduate students enrolled in applied music must participate in a University Ensemble appropriate to and required by their degree programs."  In the trombone studio, ensembles that fulfill this requirement include University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band and Concert Band.  Additionally, performance majors (BM) may substitute Jazz Band for up to two semesters to fulfill this requirement.  BME students will be in Marching band for one semester and may use Jazz Band for one semester to fulfill this requirement.  Students in the BA degree may use Jazz Band for one semester.

Proficiency Examination:  After four semesters of study, and after successfully completing the Listening Examination, each student will be required to pass a Proficiency Examination in order to be eligible perform required recitals (BM and BME), or to complete the Bachelor of Arts applied music requirement.  See specific trombone studio proficiency requirements.

Studio class is an opportunity for members of this studio to meet as a group in a variety of settings - solo performances, ensembles, instrument maintenance, etc. Other suggestions are always welcome.

Materials: You are expected to own a professional quality instrument with compatible mouthpiece. From time to time changes might be suggested by me. While some experimentation is encouraged, you should confer with the me before making changes.  Other basic required materials include a metal straight mute, a metronome and an electronic tuner.  Suggested brands/models and other necessary items can be found on the basic equipment list.  Advanced students will require other mutes, instruments etc.  Suggestions will be made as necessary,

You will be required to purchase various solos, etude books and texts each semester. The acquisition of a personal music library is fundamental to the continued growth and proficiency of a musician.  I lend music and other materials for reference purposes only.  These materials can be perused for no more than two weeks and may not be used for any performance.  You should set aside $25-30 per semester for music purchase - suggestions/requirements may be made throughout the semester. With any excess funds, refer to the lists of recommended tenor trombone solos, bass trombone solos, tenor trombone etudes, bass trombone etudes and texts.

Photocopies of copyrighted music, without permission of the copyright owner, are not allowed in lessons.  Additionally, illegal photocopies may not be used in any performance, including studio class, playing exams, recitals, etc.

Other General Information

If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed.  Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities.  Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322, and http://www.Colorado.EDU/disabilityservices

Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every effort to reasonably and fairly deal with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance.  Please let me know early in the semester of any conflicts you have for religious obligations.  I will make accommodations as necessary.

Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment.  Students who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline.  Faculty have the professional responsibility to treat all students with understanding, dignity and respect, to guide classroom discussion and to set reasonable limits on the manner in which they and their students express opinions.  Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender variance, and nationalities.  Class rosters are provided to me with your legal name.  I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun.  Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records.  See polices at:

http://www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html   and at
http://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_code

All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution.  Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior.  All incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu; 303-725-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Other information on the Honor Code can be found at

http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html  and at
http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode/

The University of Colorado at Boulder policy on Discrimination and Harassment (http://www.colorado.edu/policies/discrimination.html), the University of Colorado policy on Sexual Harassment and the University of Colorado policy on Amorous Relationships applies to all students, staff and faculty.  Any student, staff or faculty member who believes s/he has been the subject of discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status should contact the Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-492-5550.  Information about the ODH and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding discrimination or harassment can be obtained at:

http://www.colorado.edu/odh