FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many students are in the studio? Each year the number of students in the studio changes depending on how many students graduate the year before and how many are accepted. This year, 2007-2008, there are 24 undergraduates and 1 graduate student (DMA).

What do I play for my audition? Please see the Audition Information page for more information.

How many vacancies in the studio are there each year? This depends on how many students are graduating or vacancies that have not been filled the year before, etc. I try to maintain the studio at a optimum level - both for me and for the students. The actual number may fluctuate from year to year.

How do I get a Scholarship based on talent? Talent scholarships have certain criteria. Upon hearing all the auditions, the professors in the brass area give our recommendations to the scholarship committee. Music students must perform in a large ensemble and take lessons for schlarship consideration. Unfortunately we are unable to award scholarships to everyone who auditions, due to the number of auditionees and the quality of talent involved. But there are several other possibilities and you can discuss them with the USC School of Music admissions office.

Should I warm-up? I feel a good warm-up is essential, especially for younger players beginning their formal studies. The warm-up is a good reference for your advancement, giving you a consistent viewpoint throughout your studies. Each warm-up is individualistic but should contain some long tones, flexibility studies, tonguing, low range exercises & total range exercises, et al. Variations on these exercises are also good to use. Personally, I like to “doodle” in-between exercises…. I find this keeps my chops fresh and maintains my mental perspective during each practice session.

If I am an Education Major, do I study with someone else? At USC I do utilize a Teaching Assistant to help with the shear number of students at times. But, this depends on how many students are in the studio at any given time. So, the answer may vary from semester to semester. I try to accomodate ALL trumpeters in the studio.

What does the USC School of Music offer? The answer to this question is always augmenting. Of course, USC has a tremendous reputation as a performance school. There are numerous performance opportunities here at USC: Trumpet Ensemble, Brass Quintets, other chamber music, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band, Jazz Combos, Marching Band, etc. Most students need to choose because they do not have time to play in everything that is offered.

We also have varying degrees: BM (Performance, Theory, Composition, Music Education & Jazz Studies), BA in Music, MM (Composition, Conducting, Jazz Studies, History, Theory & Performance), DMA (Composition, Conducting & Performance), PHD, and the Performer's Certificate. Music Education students often opt for an additional Performers Certificate - with the same performance requirements of a BM degree (by audition).

Is the Professor available to do Masterclasses at area Schools? Yes. I am available to perform and give masterclasses at area schools . I have several different lectures to offer or I could hear students perform and give constructive feedback. I often give lectures concerning brass technique and education. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested.