Weekly individual applied lessons.
GRADING
Students earn a grade each week for lessons. It is expected the student prepares the assigned materials for that week. Grades are based on each student’s interest, participation, improvement, and evidence of efficient and effective work. In addition to the weekly grade, students will also perform a technique exam each quarter, perform in repertoire class, and perform an end of quarter jury for selected faculty members. Participation grades result from attendance to required events, being active and engaged in studio class, and completed writing assignments.
Lesson grade 50%
Jury grade 20%
Technique Exams 15%
Recital Performance 10%
Participation 5%
Description of lesson grades below:
A: Student shows superior competency in completing course and studio requirements and superior comprehension of presented materials. Student is prepared for the lesson.
B: Student demonstrates an above-average competency in completing course and studio requirements and above-average comprehension of presented materials. Student is satisfactorily prepared for the lesson.
C: Student demonstrates an ability to adequately meet the requirements of the course and studio and an adequate comprehension of presented materials. Student is prepared at the absolute bare-minimum at each lesson.
D: Student puts forth effort toward the course and studio requirements but requirements are not met. Student is not prepared for the lesson.
F: Student fails to meet acceptable standards of the course and studio. Student is not prepared for the lesson and performance is poor.
Technique Requirements
Scales as assigned in lessons. Selected from major, melodic minor, harmonic minor, chromatic, scales in 3rds, full range scales, arpeggios, bebop scales, and other technique patterns as assigned. Two or three octaves where applicable.
Minimum competency: Play all 12 major scales at 120 bpm.
The technique exam is cumulative, meaning, for example, in the 2nd semester of study, technique from the 1st semester may be asked on an exam. *Scales must be played in the rhythm pattern and tempo described in lessons.
Lesson Requirements:
1 – Students are expected to attend each lesson. Notify instructor in advance if ill.
2 – Students are expected to practice 2-3 hours every day
3 – Listen to recordings of professional players and professional orchestras/wind bands
4 – Come to each lesson with a good attitude, questions, and willingness to try new things
Physical Contact: Normal instruction in clarinet and saxophone requires occasional, neutral physical contact when dealing with breathing, finger position, posture, and tension while playing. The teacher is to ask permission before any intentional touching and the student may decline permission if he or she does not feel comfortable. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the teacher of such feelings of discomfort.