University of Florida

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Clarinet Studio at the University of Florida
Course Syllabus

Instructor:
Office:
Office Phone:
Email:
Studio Website:
Course Numbers:
Credit Hours:

Academic Year:
Office Hours:
Professor Mitchell Estrin
MUB 305
(352) 392-0223 ext.228
mestrin@ufl.edu
http://www.arts.ufl.edu/music/clarinet
MVW 1413, 2423, 3433, 4443
MVW 1413 & 2423 – 2 credits per semester
MVW 3433 & 4443 – 3 credits per semester
2007-2008
Additional Office Hours available by appointment

Course Description
Clarinet Studio at the University of Florida is designed to instill the knowledge and develop the skills necessary to prepare the student to pursue a professional career in music. Each course is divided into three components: lessons, studio class, and clarinet ensemble. Lessons and studio class are the required components of the course. Clarinet ensemble is a voluntary component of the course, however each student must register for the ensemble in order to participate. (Course number: MUN 1460 – 1 credit per semester).

Instructor’s Educational Philosophy
As a teacher, it is my responsibility to offer each student the opportunity to learn and progress in the art of music. It is my goal to help students reach their musical potential. It is my desire to impart in each student my acquired musical knowledge and a lifelong dedication towards musical excellence. It is also my desire to share my artistic achievements and professional expertise. I wish to pass on the musical knowledge and traditions that have been instilled in me during my years of study and throughout my experiences as a performer, educator, and human being. It is my intent to nurture musical and artistic growth through inspirational instruction and a structured, goal-oriented curriculum. I will endeavor to provide a supportive and positive learning environment where I can offer constructive criticism when necessary. I will adhere to the highest artistic standards and will maintain high expectations of all students regardless of their background or level of study. I will be realistic in my expectations. I will strive for open and honest communication with each student in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.

Private Lessons
The weekly lesson curriculum will be structured to address the fundamental and technical aspects of clarinet performance. Emphasis will be placed on learning the art of musical interpretation, with attention being paid to the historical background and stylistic nuances appropriate to the repertoire being studied. All students will be instructed in performance technique.

Clarinet Studio Class
The weekly studio class is a series of highly structured masterclasses covering a wide variety of performance related and pedagogical topics. Particular emphasis will be placed on instruction and discussion of:

-Reed adjustment
-Solo repertoire
-Orchestral repertoire
-Chamber music repertoire
-Equipment selection
-Instrument maintenance
-Clarinet pedagogy
-Historic recordings

Student presentations will be an integral part of the class as well. Guest lecturers and performers will be invited to visit the class on a regular basis. The Clarinet Studio Class takes place on Monday during 6th period in MUB 142.

Clarinet Ensemble Class
The weekly clarinet ensemble class is a performance class where a wide variety of repertoire will be covered. Anyone registered for ensemble credit will be required to attend. Each student will have the opportunity to perform not only on the B-flat clarinet, but also on the E-flat soprano clarinet, E-flat alto clarinet, basset horn, B-flat bass clarinet, E-flat contra-alto clarinet, and B-flat contrabass clarinet. Emphasis will be placed on sight-reading and ensemble playing technique. All students are encouraged to contribute their own musical compositions and arrangements for the ensemble. The ensemble will perform on School of Music concerts, travel and perform for national, regional ,and local musical events, and will periodically perform free concerts in schools and for the community. The class takes place on Wednesday during 6th period in Room 121.  Extra rehearsals will be scheduled in preparation for performances, as needed.

Course Outline
The instructor will make individual repertoire assignments at the beginning of the semester. Course content will include:

-Scales
-Articulation exercises
-Etudes and studies
-Orchestral repertoire
-Chamber music
-Transposition studies
-Solo repertoire
-Reed selection and adjustment
-Audition preparation
-Coping with performance anxiety

The lesson sequence will be formatted. Particular attention will be paid to instruction of practice technique and instituting strategies for overcoming instrumental deficiencies and difficulties. Each student is expected to work diligently in preparation for the weekly studio lesson.

Course Objectives
The primary objectives of the Clarinet Studio curriculum will be to strengthen and enhance the fundamental and technical musical skills of each student and to explore and refine the art of musical interpretation. Students are encouraged to develop their musicianship through listening to, researching, reading, and performing all styles of music. Emphasis will also be directed towards developing a working knowledge of the standard clarinet literature, including historical significance, form, and style. Students are encouraged to listen critically to themselves at all times in order to gain independence in musical and technical problem solving and to consistently improve their performance.

Grading Procedure
Semester grades will be based on the course content learned and the quality of preparation and performance. A strict point system will be utilized. There are six grading components that will be taken into account:

1.  Lesson preparation
2.  Lesson performance
3.  Jury grade
4.  Studio/area/convocation performance grade
5.  Class participation
6.  Attendance

Each component will be graded independently and is worth one-sixth (16.66%) of the total grade. The points awarded by the instructor for each of the six components will be added together and the total points earned will dictate the grade.
Component points will be awarded as follows:

A = 6 points
B+ = 5 points
B = 4 points
C+ =3 points
C = 2 points
D = 1 point
E = 0 points

Total possible points for the course: 36

The grading scale is as follows:

A: 33 - 36
B+: 29 - 32
B: 24 - 28
C+: 18 - 23
C: 12 - 17
D: 6 - 11
E: 0 - 5

Extra credit can be earned with approval from the instructor. Additional points can be awarded for research projects, performing on student recitals, distinguished accomplishments, special projects undertaken, and service to the clarinet studio.

Grading Components
1) Lesson Preparation: Points will be awarded for excellence in preparation of the weekly lesson. In order to earn the maximum points for lesson preparation, all assigned materials must be practiced diligently and learned for the weekly lessons.
2) Lesson Performance: Points awarded will be based on the performance level demonstrated during lessons throughout the semester. In order to earn the maximum points for lesson performance, lessons must be performed at a continual high level of proficiency during the semester.
3) Jury Grade: Points awarded will be based on an average of the faculty grades for the jury.
4) Studio/Area/Convocation Performance Grade: The instructor will award points based on his assessment of the performance.
5) Class Participation: Points will be based on the instructor’s assessment of the student’s level of involvement during class and his/her contributions to the studio and commitment to the course.
6) Attendance: Points will be based on adherence to the attendance/tardiness policy.

Attendance/Tardiness Policy
Attendance will be taken at ALL studio activities. Students are required to attend all lessons and studio classes. Additionally, students are required to attend all clarinet studio recitals, area recitals, and any concert or convocation where a member of the clarinet studio is performing. Each unexcused absence will result in a deduction of two points from the attendance component of the grade. If you are unable to attend a lesson, studio class, clarinet studio recital, area recital, concert or convocation, you must notify the instructor in person, by telephone, or by email at least 24 hours before the scheduled activity. Failure to do so will result in a two-point grade deduction. Lessons missed due to an unexcused absence will not be made up. The only exceptions to this policy will be due to an emergency or other extreme extenuating circumstance and will be at the sole discretion of the instructor. Each tardiness of more than ten minutes will result in a one-point grade deduction.

Juries
All students enrolled in the clarinet studio are required to perform a jury for the Woodwind Area Faculty at the end of each semester of study.  The jury will consist of a ten minute prepared program.  This program will include a minimum of two repertoire pieces and three etudes, which have been studied during the current semester with the studio teacher. You may also prepare two orchestral excerpts instead of one etude. The repertoire pieces should be of contrasting styles. Each student will present the jury with two copies of a printed program, which will include the titles of the selections to be performed, the names of the composers, and their dates.  In addition, the student will submit a Semester Repertoire Report, which specifies all materials studied during the current semester.  The student will perform the selections in program order, however, the faculty may request the other selections listed on the program at any time during the performance. Additional requirements will be added for the Pre-Professional Jury and for recital approval juries.  Please consult the School of Music Student Handbook for further information.

Recital Performances
All students in the Clarinet Studio are required to perform in a minimum of one student recital each semester. This includes Convocation Recitals, Woodwind Area Recitals, and Studio Class Recitals. Assignments will be made at the beginning of the semester by the instructor as to which recital category a student will perform in and the repertoire to be performed. The Woodwind Area Faculty will determine performance dates. It is the student’s responsibility to find an accompanist and schedule adequate rehearsal time. Lessons with accompaniment should take place a minimum of twice before the recital. Solo recitals are required of music majors in the junior and senior years as follows:

Junior: Performance Majors and Music Education Majors
Senior: Performance Majors and Music Education Majors who are seeking a Certificate in Performance

Written program notes are required for all solo recitals.

Large Ensemble Participation

Each student in the Clarinet Studio is required to enroll and participate in one of the School of Music major performing ensembles. Placement will be made through competitive auditions at the beginning of each semester.

Studio Website
The University of Florida Clarinet Studio Website is designed as an educational forum and communication tool. All students are encouraged to contribute their ideas and creativity to the site. The instructor will consider any relevant articles for inclusion on the site. All students are invited to share in the responsibilities of maintaining the website. The instructor will make assignments at the beginning of each semester regarding individual responsibilities for site maintenance. The site will be updated a minimum of twice during the semester. The address of the website is http://www.arts.ufl.edu/music/clarinet.

Studio Listserve
The University of Florida Clarinet Studio maintains a listserve for informational exchange between Professor Estrin and members of the studio. The listserve is available strictly for studio members to communicate studio business and other pertinent information. All users are expected to adhere to acceptable codes of conduct. The listserve address is: CLARSTUDIO-L@lists.ufl.edu

Instructor’s Expectations
Each student is required to practice daily and learn all assigned materials for the weekly lesson. This means daily structured practice sessions. Each student is expected to work diligently towards a mastery of all the scales and arpeggios including:

-Major
-Minor
-Chromatic
-Wholetone
-Pentatonic
-Thirds
-Dominant sevenths
-Diminished sevenths
-Others as assigned by the instructor

All students are expected to warm-up before their lesson.  Performance repertory should be learned well in advance of scheduled concert dates. All course materials required and/or assigned by the instructor are expected to be purchased in a timely manner. Instruments are expected to be maintained properly and in excellent mechanical condition. The instructor also expects a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards the course and its related activities. All students in the Clarinet Studio are expected to be supportive, respectful and helpful to other members of the studio.

Academic Honesty
All students are expected to adhere to the University of Florida Honor Code. This includes the Student Honor Code Oath and Academic Honesty Guidelines.
The Honor Code Oath: “We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity.”  On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied: “On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment.

Students Requesting Accommodations due to Disabilities
Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the Instructor when requesting accommodation.

Available Support Services
Academic and personal counseling is available to all students during the regularly scheduled office hours and by appointment.

Student Confidentiality
Student records are confidential. Only information designated “UF directory information” may be released without your written consent. Please see University Regulation 6C1-4.007 for a list of information designated as “UF directory information”.  UF views each student as the primary contact for all communication. If your parents contact me about your grade, attendance, or any information that is not “UF directory information”, I will ask them to contact you.  You may 1) provide the information your parents seek directly to them or 2) contact the University Registrar’s Office for additional information.  www.registrar.ufl.edu/ferpahub.html

Required Materials
C. Baermann – Method for Clarinet, Third Division (Carl Fischer or David Hite edition)
C. Rose – 40 Studies for Clarinet, Books 1&2 (Carl Fischer edition)
R. Kell – 17 Staccato Studies (International edition)
P. Hadcock – The Working Clarinetist (Roncorp)
R. McGinnis – Orchestral Studies, Volumes 1&2 (International edition)
P. Bona – Method for Rhythmical Articulation (Carl Fischer edition)
C. Ammer – The A to Z of Foreign Musical Terms (ECS Publishing)
Metronome
Tuner
Jeweler's Screwdriver

Reed Supplies:
Reed Clipper (Cordier)
Glass Plaque
Reed Knife
Reed Rush
Wet/Dry Sandpaper (grades 320, 400 & 600)

Additional Suggested Materials
C. Rose – 32 Etudes for Clarinet (Carl Fischer edition)
N. Heim – The Development of the Altissimo Register for Clarinet (Kendor Music)
R. Stark – Practical Staccato School, Part III (Anton J. Benjamin) 
D. Bonade – A Clarinetist's Compendium (Leblanc Educational Series)
K. Opperman – Handbook for Making and Adjusting Single Reeds (Chappell)
J. Brymer – Clarinet (Schirmer Books)
T. Ridenour – Clarinet Fingerings: A Comprehensive Guide for the Performer and Educator (Leblanc Educational Publications)

Other excellent reading, research, and listening materials are available in the Clarinet Studio and Music Library.

 

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