STUDY IN APPLIED TRUMPET

James Ackley
Associate Professor of Trumpet
Email:   jackley@mozart.sc.edu

 

 

Overview

A basic overview of the applied study in trumpet, discussing grading criteria, expectations, study/practice, materials, policies and more.

Learning Outcome

Students will be able to perform musical works in a variety of musical styles and in a variety of musical contexts, including solo, chamber and full settings as well as a demonstration of orientation to and experience with the fundamentals of pedagogy.

Grading

Grades will be based, through a 100 point maximum scale, on the following Criteria (as spelled out in the Studio Grading Rubric):

1. Lessons  50%
2. Studio Class  5%
3. Mid-term (scales & transposition)  20%
4. Jury (recital)  25%

Studio Policy

The USC trumpet studio has an open door policy for its student members.  All trumpet majors, currently enrolled for lessons, may sit-in and observe anyone else's lesson in the studio.  No notice is necessary (but you may want to give a courtesy notification the student who’s lesson you are observing).  You will NOT be graded on this portion of the syllabus.

Lessons & Evaluations

A regular, well thought-out practice routine is essential for personal improvement. For the MUED degree program in trumpet, 1.5 hours of practice per day should be considered a minimum amount to practice. Performance majors are expected to practice more than the minimum requirement to succeed in the program (3.0 hours of practice per day). To obtain the minimum grade, a five-day regimen should be obtained (using the Log Hours Determinations below). A practice log (Musicians Practice Planner) will accompany all students and will show a consistent practice routine. You must also turn-in your scale practice log (which you can download from the website). Other materials throughout the year may also be available for download from the website. Lessons are worth 50 points.  For a detailed grading scale and abstentee policy, please download the studio syllabus (in PDF formoat) at the end of this page.

PRACTICE LOG HOUR DETERMINATIONS

B.M. in Music Education/B.A.
750 minutes/weekly - 5 points
650 - 4 points
550 - 3 points
450 - 2 points
350 or lower - 1 point
Did not turn it in - 0 points (must be turned in at lesson)

B.M. in Performance (and Performers Certificate)
900 minutes/weekly 5 points
800 - 4 points
700 - 3 points
600 - 2 points
500 or lower - 1 point
Did not turn it in - 0 (must be turned in at lesson)

Additionally, students may be given listening assignments in conjunction with their lesson material. It is the responsibility of the student to complete the listening assignment prior to their next lesson. Build listening time into your daily schedule. Listening is an essential skill and, even when not given an assignment, it is understood that that the student is listening to a large variety of classical music to gain perspective and understanding, as well as appreciation.

Lesson assignments may represent the above areas of study. The student will be expected to have the work prepared from each of these categories or as assigned for each lesson. You must come prepared to perform any part of your lesson. You must also bring ALL of your lesson materials to each class.

Students are expected to report to their lesson warmed-up. Failure to do so inhibits your abilities to perform at your optimum level and could result in dismissal from the lesson and that class graded as a failure.

Grades will be recorded for four lessons only. These lessons will be considered tests and will be from your accumulated materials that we have worked on during your lessons. The fifth lesson will include your grade for attendance, recital attendance, etc. You are always able to check with me on the status of your grade during the term. Your grade is based on performance, progress, improvement and effort. As these terms can be rather subjective, it is in your own best interest to know your grades as the term progresses. Any student who is clearly unprepared for their lesson will be excused and that lesson will be graded as failing. Missing three lessons or having three 0s will also result in a failing grade.

Etude Books and Studies: Students are required to obtain all printed materials and accessories needed. They are available through any number of sources (ask me if you need assistance). Plan on budgeting for music as you would for any other class. Photocopied materials or Library holdings are not acceptable substitutes for purchasing printed materials. Also see trumpet.music.sc.edu for more information.

Accompanists: Students are required to arrange for accompanists to be at their lessons at a time mutually agreed upon. It is the student's responsibility to come to their lessons adequately rehearsed with their accompanists. It is also a good idea to have an accompanist preparing for your literature early in the semester. Find a pianist EARLY in the semester (even if you do not have the music at the present moment). This will alleviate problems down the road!

Scales & Transposition

Scales/transposition exams will be given during mid-term week. Graduate students are exempt from this jury. Undergraduates, please note that scale requirements are cumulative. Your scale/transposition grade will count for a total of 20 points of your applied grade. Those that do not pass their Scale and Transposition mid-term with an average of B or higher will need to re-take the exam at some point at the end of the semester (during one of their lessons). Failure to pass a second time will result in a failed grade and that student will not be allowed to take their end of the semester jury.

Studio Class

All trumpet studio students are required to attend. Studio performance class will meet Mondays from 1:25-2:15 in room 016. An additional syllabus will be handed out individually to further explain your requirements and expectations of the course. The schedule will be posted online at http://trumpet.music.sc.edu  It is YOUR responsibility to know the schedule and be prepared. Studio class is worth 5 points.

Recital Attendance Policy

I believe a studio atmosphere should be friendly and supportive of all its colleagues. You can benefit and learn from all types of recitals/concerts. You MUST attend ALL fellow studio colleague recitals, ALL visiting brass recitals, and ALL faculty brass recitals. It is in your own best interest to attend a wide variety of concerts while a student at USC. Failure to attend the concerts that are considered a requirement will result in a failing grade under your fifth lesson grade as stated in Lessons & Evaluations above. If you are unable to make something due to a class or emergency, then 24 hours prior notice should be given, or a note from a Dr. should be submitted as evidence. This will be counted into the fifth lesson grade.

Juries

Your performance in a jury situation is an accumulation of material, ideas, concepts and hard work from the entire semester. A jury is a performance. Therefore, please treat it as such. Wear appropriate clothing and present your materials to the jurors in a respectful manner. Be EARLY. Be PREPARED. The jury is worth 25 total points.

 

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW

Mental Health and Counseling
www.sa.sc.edu/chdc/
CHDC HOURS:
8:30 - 5:00 Monday through Friday.
APPOINTMENTS:
803-777-5223
LOCATION:
CHDC is located in the Byrnes Building 
(on Sumter St. across from The Horseshoe - on the 7th floor.)

Alcohol and Drug Program
www.sa.sc.edu/adp/resources.htm
Phone: 803-254-5301

                  Click on icon to download Syllabus [238 K]