University of Colorado
Trombone Studio

Applied Trombone Course Information

PMUS 1666-6666

Bill Stanley
303 492-5469 (office)
303 638-5938 (home)
william.stanley@colorado.edu

 

 

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 credit hours = 1 hr. lesson
    2 credit hours = .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, required recitals, etc.
 

    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. Suggested minimums:

 

BM majors – 3 hours per day, c. 20 hours per week

BME majors – 2 hours per day, c. 15 hours per week

BA majors – 1.5 hours per day, c. 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.  Exam pieces that are scored  with piano accompaniment must be performed with piano. 

 

As of fall 2008, a new policy for acquiring accompanists has been instituted.   You must request an accompanist online: http://music.colorado.edu/departments/offices/accompanying/

 

The Collaborative Pianists have clearly stated policies that must be followed (deadlines).  If all policies are followed, a pianist will be provided free of charge.  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 undergraduate 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.  As mouthpieces have been consistently rising in costs, the school has purchased several newer mouthpieces for you to try.  These are housed in the trombone studio and, after consultation with me, may be checked out for a trial period.

 

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:

 

1) 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 can be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671, Center for Community N200, and http://www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices.

If you have a temporary medical condition or injury, see guidelines at:

http://www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices/go.cgi?select=temporary.html

 

2) 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.

 

3) Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Those who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of
race, color, culture, religion, creed, politics, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, disability, and nationalities.  Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the
student's 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 policies at

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

 

4) The University of Colorado at Boulder Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedures, the University of Colorado Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures, and the University of Colorado Conflict of Interest in Cases of Amorous Relationships policy apply to all students, staff, and faculty.  Any student, staff, or faculty member who believes s/he has been the subject of sexual harassment or discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status should contact the Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) at 303-492-5550. Information about the ODH, the above referenced policies, and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding discrimination or harassment can be obtained at http://www.colorado.edu/odh

 

5) 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/