Music 3230- Brass Methods
Fall 2004
405 ALC Bldg.
MW: 10-10:50am
Syllabus prepared by:
Dr. Tom Gibson, Coordinator of Brass Studies
tom@trombonelessons.com

Suggested Text for Music Ed. Majors:
A Complete Guide to Brass, 2nd ed.
by Scott Whitener

Required Text:

Essential Elements 2000 (Book 1 for you respective instrument)


Tom’s Office Hours: Room 614 Standard Bldg.
Fridays by appointment



Completion of this course will enable the student to teach brass instruments to beginners. A firm foundation will be laid in regards to:

- Overtone Series
- Embouchure
- Breath
- Sound
- Care of the instruments
- Minor maintenance/repairs
- Transpositions
- Popular methods and studies for each instrument
- Internet resources for educators of Brass instruments
- Anatomy of Brass instruments
- History of Brass instruments
- Pedagogical techniques and “schools” of Brass playing

Each student will spend half the semester playing on a “high” brass instrument (trumpet, horn, cornet) and half on a “low” brass instrument (trombone, euphonium, tuba).
The instructor will be available for individual assistance. Two playing exams will be given: one on the “high” brass, one on the “low”. These will consist of:

- 4 major scales/arpeggios and their corresponding relative melodic minor scales/arpeggios

- A simple melody

Grading will be based on these exams, “pop” quizzes given at the instructor’s discretion, and a comprehensive final written exam. In addition, a small research project involving the Internet will be assigned. But perhaps most importantly, class participation will be weighed heavily in your final grade. So.....speak up and ask lots of questions!
It is the instructor’s intent that the students be well equipped to deal with the most common problems encountered by beginners. Also, the students will be able to address most any question a beginner may have.
Primary stress will be given to SOUND production and the joy of music making!

* Attendance will be expected and will follow University policy. Unexcused absences, unfortunately, will effect your grade negatively. If you must miss class, please call or email to let me know. During office hours, stop by my office and we can go over what you missed. In general, please make every effort to be present, punctual, and prepared. I will do the same.

* The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary.