Saxophone Studio Syllabus

Introduction
The student is responsible for knowing everything contained in this syllabus - please read carefully.

Performance
Because performing is the essence of music, students are encouraged to perform as often as possible. Qualifying students (saxophonists who have completed the requirements for semester 1 and 2 and have progressed to semester 3 or 4) may perform on any of the following: Joint Rep; Studio Recital; Convocation. Students who have reached the 351 level may perform a Degree or Student Recital. Performing for your fellow students is the best opportunity you have for feedback, motivation and improvement. *IMPORTANT* You must perform your piece with accompanist in lesson at least two weeks before a performance, which includes recital hearings. Only in this way can I help you play to your potential.

Memory
Don't forget, all students are required to play one piece from memory each semester.

Chamber Music
While most music degrees only require 2 hours of chamber music, students wishing to perform in quartets will be accomodated whenever possible. I believe the experience obtained in playing in small ensembles to be among the most rewarding. All quartets will receive coaching if requested.

Grading Policy
Grades will be determined by the preparation and quality of lessons, performance in rep class, jury performance, attitude, effort, amount of practice time, etc. While the very nature of music performance is subjective, we will make every effort to be as objective as we can. One third of your semester grade will be based on the work you do in lessons, one third on your scale exam, and one third from your end-of-semester jury grade.

Attendance
All students are required to attend their lessons and repertoire class every week. If you are ill, notify me in advance of your lesson by phone, email, or by leaving a message in the music office. Make up lessons will be given at the discretion of the instructor. Lessons missed by the instructor due to professional obligations may be made up in groups. Lessons will be 50 minutes in length, starting on the hour and concluding at 10 minutes before. This will allow you sufficient time to get to your next class and allow me to prepare for the next student. Please be warmed up and have your instrument assembled in the hall prior to lessons and dissemble it in the hall after lessons to make the best use of lesson time. Saxophone majors are required to attend all saxophone, studio, and woodwind faculty recitals. Programs for all of these recitals will be turned in with other recital programs at juries. Absences will affect your grade. Four absences in any combination of lessons, rep classes, and recitals can result in an “F” for the semester.

Jury/Final Exam
All students in saxophone performance will perform a jury at the end of every semester. The first part of each jury is the scale or techniques exam - scheduled at least a month before classes end. Juries will be performed for the studio teacher and one additional faculty member. At the teacher's discretion, a student may be required to take his/her final exam for the entire woodwind faculty.

Practice
Three credits of study require a minimum of 3 hours of daily practice, two credits require at least 2 hours of daily practice, and one credit requires 7 hours/week. Inadequate practice is obvious in lessons and will reduce progress and grade. Having said this, performance related injuries can end a career, so please keep the following in mind: practice as little as you can to achieve your desired result.

Ensemble Requirement
Any student enrolled for 2 or more credits of applied saxophone must co-register for a large ensemble.

Materials
Please refer to Required Materials List. Lessons will consist of a balance of work on repertoire, scales, etudes and studies. While many of the required materials may be found in the music library and/or BlackBoard, it is desirable for the student to own his/her own copy of the music we will be studying. These materials have been chosen to form the core of the student's professional teaching and performing repertoire. It is essential for to be able to make notes and annotations in music for later reference. Repertoire will be assigned on a student to student basis. It is suggested, but not required, that students own a copy of Michael Hester's Saxophone Master Classes.

Photocopying
Federal copyright laws protect composer's and publisher's rights against illegal photocopying. It is important to gradually build your own personal music library by systematically purchasing legal copies of your music. Use of photocopies, library music, or other reproductions of music under protection by copyright laws is prohibited in juries or public performance. Questions concerning the legality of photocopying under extenuating circumstances should be directed to the instructor.

Academic Integrity
All students are required to know and abide by the UNCG Academic Integrity Policy code.

Attitude
Students are encouraged to take initiative (I like initiative - hint! hint!) and set out in their own directions. If you want to study a specific piece of music, please do so! Majors are required to learn certain core literature, studies and scales etc., however, this is the time to use your imagination. Listen to recordings, go to concerts, read scores, play in quartets and make music with your friends. If you want to learn something that we haven't covered, then ask. I am here for your reference; if you view me more as a resource than as someone who needs to 'lay down the law' we will have a rewarding year together.

University Equipment
Failure to return university or teacher owned property used in conjunction with or related to this course in a timely manner will result in a grade of “INCOMPLETE” until such property is properly returned.

Physical Contact
Normal instruction in saxophone performance involves a certain amount of limited and neutral physical contact between the teacher and the student when dealing with such topics as breathing, posture, finger/hand position, tension, overall performance style, etc. It is the responsibility of any student who is uncomfortable with this physical contact to immediately inform the teacher of that discomfort.

I have read the Saxophone Studio Syllabus and agree to abide by its contents

Student Signature