Fall 2011 Woodwind Practicum Course SyllabusMPAME-UE.1425.001/GE.2105.001

Tuesday – 4:55-6:35pm

Professor Michael L. Breaux

Office: 244 Greene Street, #402

(212) 998-5613office | (203) 530-9752cell

Purpose

This course is designed for the study of the woodwind family of instruments in such a way that class members will be able to teach and demonstrate woodwind instrumental techniques. Topics will include: woodwind performance; ensemble rehearsal techniques (e.g., error detection, intonation, articulation); transpositions and arranging for woodwind instruments; and woodwind instrument care and maintenance. The methods of introducing the woodwind instruments to a student during a “first lesson” will be a primary focus of this course.

Aims

Students will be able to:

a)Teach a first lesson on each of the woodwind instruments studied;

b)Perform musically on a woodwind instrument at an elementary level;

c)Troubleshoot possible woodwind problems in real life settings; and

d)Arrange pieces for woodwind ensemble.

Evaluation

Students are responsible for:

  1. Weekly attendance and participation in class (10%) (e.g., having your instrument and required music at every class, being prepared to perform, knowledge of fingerings & embouchure).
  2. In-class quizzes meant to demonstrate your practical knowledge. (10%) (e.g., fingerings, transpositions, commonalities between instruments).
  3. Performance of required scales. (20%) These performances may be submitted via video.
  4. Teaching an in-class teaching demonstration (20%) This ten-minute teaching session should be based on a lesson plan created to demonstrate your effectiveness with teaching techniques and woodwind pedagogy. The session will be evaluated by individuals in the class as well as by the course professor. Each session will be individually video recorded and will be available for review.
  5. Arranging and rehearsing a piece for the ensemble in class. (20%)
  6. Creating a portfolio that will house the pertinent information from this class that will serve as a resource for your future teaching. (20%)

Required Texts: Flute, Clarinet, & Alto Saxophone (Optional Books: Oboe & Bassoon)

(All 5 texts can be found at the NYU bookstore)

Froseth, J. (2007). Do It! Play and Teach Woodwinds: A Musical Text for Secondary Instrumental Courses with a “Focus on Teaching”, GIA Publications.

Suggested Readings:

  1. Colwell, R. & Goolsby, T. (2002). The Teaching of Instrumental Music (3rd ed.). Prentice Hall.
  2. Weisberg, A. (1975). The Art of Wind Playing. Schirmer Books.
  3. Baines, A. (1991). Woodwind Instruments and their History. Dover.
  4. Joppig, G. (1981). The Oboe and the Bassoon. Amadeus Press.
  5. Timm, E. (1964). The Woodwinds. Allyn and Bacon.

Equipment Required for this Course:

Since this is a skill-based course, you will be required to rent three instruments for use in this class: Flute, Alto Saxophone, and Clarinet. The introductory class will utilize soprano recorders, supplied by Professor Breaux, to introduce fingering woodwind instruments and reading fingering charts.

During the last class, Oboe and Bassoon will be presented. Students interested in learning these instruments may discuss this with Professor Breaux.

Instrument Rental Sources

  1. Universal Musical Instrument

(212) 254-6917 ask for Paul between 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Monday – Saturday

Have music, reeds, and supplies

732 Broadway, 2nd floor

New York, NY 10003-9584

Semester Rental: Oboe - $90; Flutes - $65; Clarinet - $65; & Saxophone - $90

  1. Rayburn Music

(212) 541-6236

44 W. 62nd Street

3-month rental or school year lease

No Sheet Music

  1. First Flight Music

(212) 539-1383

174 1st Ave., 2nd floor

All instruments are available. Buy the instrument for the semester and when you return it, you get back everything except the rental fee – approx. $100 depending on the instrument. Call for rentals.

  1. Catalano Musical Products

(516) 488-2522

(516) 364-0256

(518) 775-3167 fax

1007 Jericho Turnpike

New Hyde Park, NY 11040

  1. Roberto’s Woodwinds and Brass

(646) 366-0240

149 W. 46th St.

New York, NY 10036

Fall 2011 Schedule of Classes

September 6:Introduction, Recorder, & Fingering Chart

September 13:Flute Day 1 (Rent Instrument and Purchase Book)

September 20:Flute Day 2

September 27: Flute Day 3

October 4:Flute Day 4

October 11:No Class

October 18:Clarinet Day 1

October 25: Clarinet Day 2

November 1:Clarinet Day 3

November 8:Clarinet Day 4

November 15:Saxophone Day 1

November 22:Saxophone Day 2

November 29:Saxophone Day 3

December 6:Saxophone Day 4

December 13:Oboe, Bassoon, Review, and Synthesis

Final Exam

Fall 2011 Woodwind Practicum Course Syllabus

Section 1