BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION (ALL DISCIPLINES)
Each student will spend 1/2 hour per day developing and practicing a warm-up routine that includes long tones, flexibility and technical exercises.
The minimum practice time for the lesson assignments of the BME major is 1 hour per day. It is suggested that the serious student's practice time be 1 1/2 hours per day for the lesson assignments. It is suggested that this requirement be fulfilled by two 45-minute sessions, if possible.
It is also required to spend a minimum of 5 hours per week listening and researching required musical materials. It is suggested that the serious student spend 7 hours per week listening and researching the required musical materials.
Course Format
The first six semesters of study will be structured under the use of an individual syllabus. The syllabus will be prepared and finalized during the student's first lesson of each semester. The syllabus will contain series of two-week assignments. An evaluation will be given for each of the two-week assignments utilizing the “Lesson/Performance Evaluation Form.” The syllabus will also include the Jury Examination assignment. The final lessons of the semester will be dedicated to this assignment. The syllabus will include any special circumstances encountered within the semester such as a recital, competition or audition. The syllabus will clearly state what is the minimum requirement for receiving a satisfactory grade of “C” in the course.
Freshman Level Music 122/172
General Goals
1) Emphasis on playing fundamentals
2) Establishment of a warm-up procedure
3) Establishment of good practice habits
4) Introduction of tenor and alto clef (tenor trombonists)
Introduction of tenor clef (bass trombonists)
5) Introduction of the "F" attachment (tenor trombonists)
Introduction of the independent double valve system (bass trombonists)
Sophomore Level Music 222/272
General goals
1) Continued emphasis on all playing fundamentals, warm-up and practice habits
2) Continued emphasis on clefs and valve technique
3) Concentration on developing range, endurance and dynamics
4) Introduction of jazz style and improvisation
5) Introduction of orchestral performance technique
Junior Level Music 322/372
General goals
1) Continued emphasis on all playing fundamentals, warm-up and practice habits
2) Continued development of jazz style and improvisation
3) Continued development of orchestral technique
4) Introduce advanced sight reading techniques
5) Introduce contemporary trombone techniques
Senior Level Music 422
General Goals
The last semester of applied study will not be structured like the first six semesters of study. The musical needs of each student will indeed be different during this critical time of study. In addition, the demands of preparing final performances and auditions need to be met during this final semester. The “two-week assignment” format does not lend itself well to this final semester. The preparation and execution of the “Recital Performance Requirement” will determine the student’s final applied lesson grade.
Recital/Performance Requirement Bachelor of Music Education (All Disciplines)
It is required that a BME major perform two solo performances in a public forum. This requirement will be fulfilled by the following options:
1) The first installment will be completed by the end of the student’s fourth semester of study. This performance of a major work appropriate to the freshman/sophomore level will be part of the school-wide Common Hour or an individual perfomrance schedule during our Trombone Choir/Studio Class session times.
2) The second installment will be completed by the end of seventh semester of study by selecting one of the following options:
a) The student may perform one major work appropriate to the senior level as part of a "Common Hour". For this, the best grade the student can receive for the course is a "C".
b) The student may choose to perform a “half recital”. This would include at least two major works appropriate to the senior level. For this, the best grade the student can receive for the course is a “B”.
c) It is recommended that the student choose to perform a “full recital”. This would include at least three major works appropriate to the senior level. For this, the best grade the student can receive is an “A”.
Failure to fulfill any of these requirements will result in unsatisfactory grade for the course.
BACHELOR OF MUSIC AND BACHELOR OF MUSICAL ARTS IN TROMBONE PERFORMANCE
Each student will spend 1/2 hour per day developing and practicing a warm-up routine that includes long tones, flexibility and technical exercises.
The minimum practice time for the lesson assignments of the BM/BMA major is 1 1/2 hours per day. It is suggested that the serious student's practice time be 2 hours per day for the lesson assignments. It is suggested that this requirement be fulfilled by two 60-minute sessions, if possible.
It is also required to spend a minimum of 7 hours per week listening and researching required musical materials. It is suggested that the serious student spend 9 hours per week listening and researching the required musical materials.
Course Format
The first six semesters of study will be structured under the use of an individual syllabus. The syllabus will be prepared and finalized during the student's first lesson of each semester. The syllabus will contain series of two-week assignments. An evaluation will be given for each of the two-week assignments utilizing the “Lesson/Performance Evaluation Form.” The syllabus will also include the Jury Examination assignment. The final lessons of the semester will be dedicated to this assignment. The syllabus will include any special circumstances encountered within the semester such as a recital, competition or audition. The syllabus will clearly state what is the minimum requirement for receiving a satisfactory grade of “C” in the course.
Freshman Level Music 129/182
General Goals
1) Emphasis on playing fundamentals
2) Establishment of a warm-up procedure
3) Establishment of good practice habits
4) Introduction of tenor and alto clef (tenor trombonists)
Introduction of tenor clef (bass trombonists)
5) Introduction of the "F" attachment (tenor trombonists)
Introduction of the independent double valve system (bass trombonists)
Sophomore Level Music 232/282
General goals
1) Continued emphasis on all playing fundamentals, warm-up and practice habits
2) Continued emphasis on clefs and valve technique
3) Concentration on developing range, endurance and dynamics
4) Introduction of jazz style and improvisation
5) Introduction of orchestral performance technique
Junior Level Music 332/382
General goals
1) Continued emphasis on all playing fundamentals, warm-up and practice habits
2) Continued development of jazz style and improvisation
3) Continued development of orchestral technique
4) Introduce advanced sight reading techniques
5) Introduce contemporary trombone techniques
6) Introduce a doubling instrument:
a) Tenor Trombonists will be introduced to the Alto Trombone, the Bass Trombone and/or the Euphonium
b) Bass Trombonists will be introduced to the Tenor Trombone, the Euphonium and/or the Tuba
Senior Level Music 432/482
General Goals
The last two semesters of applied study will not be structured like the first six semesters of study. The musical needs of each student will indeed be different during this critical time of study. In addition, the demands of preparing final performances and auditions need to be met during this final semester. The “two-week assignment” format does not lend itself well to this final semester. The preparation and execution of the “Recital Performance Requirement” will determine the student’s final applied lesson grade.
Recital/Performance Requirement Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Musical Arts in Trombone Performance
It is required that a BM/BMA major perform three solo performances in a public forum. This requirement will be fulfilled by the following options:
1) The first installment will be completed by the end of the student’s fourth semester of study. This performance of a major work appropriate to the sophomore level will be part of the school-wide Common Hour or an individual perfomrance schedule during our Trombone Choir/Studio Class session times.
2) The second installment will be completed by the end of sixth semester of study by selecting one of the following options:
a) The student may choose to perform a “half recital”. This would include at least two major works appropriate to the junior/senior level. For this, the best grade the student can receive for the course is a "B”.
b) It is recommended that the student choose to perform a "full recital”. This would include at least three major works appropriate to the senior level. For this, the best grade the student can receive is an “A”
3) The third installment will be completed by the end of the eighth semester of study. This performance is
a “full recital” judged by a three-member committee selected by the Undergraduate Committee. A written evaluation is made available to the student, and is placed in the student’s permanent file. It is the responsibility of the student and Professor Lusk to notify the judges of a change in date. If a judge has a conflict, a quality tape recording shall be submitted for adjudication.
Failure to fulfill any of these requirements will result in an unsatisfactory grade for the course.
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC
Each student will spend 1/2 hour per day developing and practicing a warm-up routine that includes long tones, flexibility and technical exercises.
The minimum practice time for the lesson assignments of the BA major is 3/4 hour per day. It is suggested that the serious student's practice time be 1 1/4 hours per day for the lesson assignments.
It is also required to spend a minimum of 3 hours per week listening and researching required musical materials. It is suggested that the serious student spend 5 hours per week listening and researching the required musical materials.
Course Format
The first two semesters of study will be structured under the use of an individual syllabus. The syllabus will be prepared and finalized during the student's first lesson of each semester. The syllabus will contain series of two-week assignments. An evaluation will be given for each of the two-week assignments utilizing the “Lesson/Performance Evaluation Form.” The syllabus will also include the Jury Examination assignment. The final lessons of the semester will be dedicated to this assignment. The syllabus will include any special circumstances encountered within the semester such as a recital, competition or audition. The syllabus will clearly state what is the minimum requirement for receiving a satisfactory grade of “C” in the course.
Freshman Level Music 132/182
General Goals
1) Emphasis on playing fundamentals
2) Establishment of a warm-up procedure
3) Establishment of good practice habits
4) Introduction of tenor and alto clef (tenor trombonists)
Introduction of tenor clef (bass trombonists)
5) Introduction of the "F" attachment (tenor trombonists)
Introduction of the independent double valve system (bass trombonists)
Sophomore Level Music 232/282
General goals
1) Continued emphasis on all playing fundamentals, warm-up and practice habits
2) Continued emphasis on clefs and valve technique
3) Concentration on developing range, endurance and dynamics
4) Introduction of jazz style and improvisation
5) Introduction of orchestral performance technique
There is no solo performance requirement for the BA major.
Although it is highly recommended that a performance of a major work appropriate to the freshman/sophomore level be performed as part of the school-wide Common Hour or an individual perfomrance schedule during our Trombone Choir/Studio Class session times.
MASTER OF MUSIC IN TROMBONE PERFORMANCE
Each student will spend 1/2 hour per day developing and practicing a warm-up routine that includes long tones, flexibility and technical exercises.
The minimum practice time for the lesson assignments of the MM major is 2 hours per day. It is suggested that the serious student's practice time be 3 hours per day for the lesson assignments. Please consider fulfilling this requirement with multiple shorter practice sessions.
It is also required to spend a minimum of 8 hours per week listening and researching required musical materials. It is suggested that the serious student spend 10 hours per week listening and researching the required musical materials.
Course Format
The first two semesters of study will be structured under the use of a syllabus. The syllabus will be prepared and finalized during the first lesson of each semester. The syllabus will contain six two-week assignments. A grade will be given for each of the two-week assignments utilizing the “Lesson/Performance Evaluation Form”. The syllabus will also include the Jury Examination assignment. The final lessons of the semester will dedicated to this assignment. The syllabus will include any special circumstances encountered within the semester such as a recital, competition or audition.
The last two semesters of applied study will not be structured like the first two semesters of study. The musical needs of each student will indeed be different during this critical time of study. In addition, the demands of preparing final performances, degree requirements, and auditions need to be met during these final semesters. The “two-week assignment” format does not lend itself well to these final semester. The student’s final applied lesson grade will be determined by the preparation and execution of the degree requirements as outlined in the "Graduate Handbook".
First Year of Study
General Goals
1) Evaluation and refinement of all playing fundamentals
2) Concentration on consistency and accuracy in all aspects of playing and
musicianship
3) Development of pedagogical ideas
Second Year of Study
General Goals
1) Continued refinement of all playing fundamentals
2) Continued stress on consistency and accuracy in all aspects of playing and musicianship
3) Continued development of pedagogical ideas
4) Concentrate on the preparation of the Graduate Recital, the Graduate Lecture Recital and the
Graduate Oral Examinations
5) Introduce a doubling instrument:
1) Tenor Trombonists will be introduced to the Alto Trombone, the Bass Trombone and/or the Euphonium
2) Bass Trombonists will be introduced to the Tenor Trombone, the Euphonium and/or the Tuba
Please refer to the Graduate Handbook for all details pertaining to the "Graduate Recital", and the "Graduate Oral Examination"
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE
This program, administered by the School of Music through Outreach (Penn State Professional Education - non-credit course CPE 9015), offers excellent performing musicians in their early career stages the opportunity for private study with master teachers at Penn State, with participation in the outstanding ensembles of Penn State's School of Music. Participants will usually hold an undergraduate degree or demonstrated equivalent musical training. The certificate program provides career preparation, artistic guidance, and work experience for aspiring professional musicians. Applicants for the PPC program must show evidence of completion of a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Voice applicants must also show evidence of completion of a master's degree.
The Professional Performance Certificate consists of weekly private lessons for a single academic year of two semesters (fall and spring), during which the student will participate as directed in the ensembles of the School of Music, or (in the case of pianists) in accompanying as directed. The full-time work/study load for students in this program is a minimum of 40 hours/week. This would normally include approximately ten contact hours of instruction with faculty (lessons, studio classes, and directed ensembles, opera, chamber music or other collaborative experiences) plus at least thirty hours of individual practice and preparation. Assignments and distribution of workloads are supervised by the Professional Performance Certificate committee, which reports to the Director of the School of Music. Study in this program is not awarded academic credit. In lieu of credit toward a degree, the student's work and study will be graded pass/fail and a Certificate will be awarded upon the successful conclusion of the program. International students, for whom English is not their first language, may be interested in taking advantage of some of the services provided by Penn State's English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC): http://www.eppic.la.psu.edu/ All services are free to Penn State students and affiliates.
The total fee for the academic year (fall-spring) PPC program is $2,000 for U.S. citizens and $2,500 for international students. Graduate teaching assistantships are not available to students pursuing the PPC. Housing and other living expenses are the responsibility of the student.
As part of this program, students will travel with School of Music ensembles - sometimes as a required part of ensemble participation and other times as an optional enrichment activity. College travel policies require that all students submit emergency contact information including health insurance information. It is strongly recommended that U.S. citizens have a current health insurance plan. International students are required to enroll in a Penn State student health insurance plan.
POLICY ON APPLIED LESSONS BEYOND THE BASIC DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
A student may request applied lessons beyond the basic degree requirements. It should be noted that Professor Lusk will not consider such a request if that student’s cumulative applied lesson grade is lower than “A-”. Should a student be offered extended study, this will be done under the auspices of Non-Major Applied Study, Music 122 or 522. A syllabus similar to the final semesters of applied lessons will be employed. No “Jury Examinations” or “Recital Performance Requirements” will be required. The student will be reconsidered after each semester.
