Spring Semester 2024 Syllabus
Applied Saxophone Study - MUS 3520/MUS 5434
Ohio University School of Music
Instructor: Matthew James, DMA Professor of Saxophone & Jazz Studies
Office: School of Music - 576 Robert Glidden Hall
School of Music Phone: (740)593-4244
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours by appointment
School of Music Undergraduate and Graduate Handbooks
Please be sure to read the appropriate student handbook, which will describe jury, PL/departmental and recital performance requirements and other important topics. A copy of the undergraduate and graduate handbooks are located here on the School of Music website. Included are details on required PL performances for all music majors.
Learning Outcomes
Students enrolled in Applied Saxophone will be able to
…demonstrate a characteristic sound on the saxophone appropriate to the student’s applied level, in multiple styles and musical contexts.
…perform standard solo, chamber, and large ensemble saxophone works and repertoire from under-represented groups in an effort to expand upon the Western European origins of the saxophone.
…confidently perform scales, etudes, sightreading, and other exercises appropriate to the student’s applied level.
…demonstrate knowledge about the saxophone repertoire being studied, including composer, era, style, and performance considerations
…perform for audiences and alongside fellow students representing varied backgrounds, communities, and beliefs.
…successfully complete applied level requirements as described in the School of Music Undergraduate/Graduate handbooks.
Lessons
Plan to arrive at each lesson warmed up, with a way to take notes, your best reeds (not just one reed) and a professional-level saxophone in proper playing condition. The goal is to have your assigned repertoire prepared to your best ability for every lesson, and be prepared with questions and issues that you want to address. Listen to professional recordings of your repertoire, and research the composer. If you follow these steps you’re likely to progress quickly!! If you have an exposed solo in an ensemble, please bring this to your lesson for coaching. All are encouraged to bring ensemble music to lessons for help.
Grading
Your final applied lesson grade is based on:
60% Average of your weekly lesson grades
30% Jury performance and your pass/fail scale exam
5% Assigned studio class performance
5% Attendance & participation at studio classes and at saxophone-related events.
Professional behavior, including respect for your studio colleagues and professors, and prompt return of
instruments and music owned either by Dr. James or the university.
The Performance Division of the School of Music mandates that a qualifying jury that does not result in advancement in applied classification will result in a final applied lesson grade of no higher than a C. A non-qualifying jury that results in a warning letter will result in a final applied lesson grade of no higher than a C+. For students not taking a jury, the lesson grade component will comprise 90% of the final grade.
Below is a description of lesson grading. Keep in mind that Dr. James assigns a grade for each individual lesson. Students are encouraged to request to view these grades at any time.
Grade in A range: Student obtains requested materials promptly; assignments are meticulously prepared and musically executed; student is performing at or ahead of chronological level; problems encountered in previous lessons are significantly reduced; student is attentive, cooperative and open to constructive criticism; student has no unexcused absences and arrives consistently on time with required materials.
Grade in B range: Student obtains requested materials promptly; assignments are adequately prepared and satisfactorily executed; student is at or slightly below chronological level; student shows evidence of having attempted to solve problems encountered at previous lessons; student is attentive and frequently cooperative; student is usually on time with required materials and has no unexcused absences.
Grade in C range: Student does not obtain materials promptly; assignments are only partially prepared and unsatisfactorily executed; student is below chronological level; student shows partial evidence of having attempted to solve problems encountered in previous lessons; student is apathetic to instruction; student is frequently late and misses lessons without prior notice. Student does not advance in applied classification at a qualifying jury, or receives a warning letter for a non-qualifying jury.
Grade in D range: Student does not obtain materials promptly; assignments are largely unprepared; student is severely below chronological level; student shows little evidence of having attempted to solve problems encountered at previous lessons; student is resistant to instruction; student is frequently late and misses lessons without prior notice.
Grade in F range: Student has 3 or more unexcused lessons, does not communicate, and/or does not show initiative to improve over the semester.
Studio Classes
Attendance and participation at studio class is expected and included in your final grade. Studio class will be held most Mondays at 12:55pm. Guest lectures, instructor & student presentations, student performances and saxophone quartet coachings are common activities during studio class.
Juries
Your jury is a performance demonstration of the progress you have made throughout the semester. Woodwind juries typically occur during the first two days of exam week. Two juries a year are required until applied music requirements are met. One jury a year is required of graduate students, secondary students, students who have completed applied music requirements and non-majors who have studied the entire academic year. Consult this WW Division document (ww_jury_requirements_rev_1-22-24.pdf) and School of Music Undergraduate/Graduate Handbooks for specific requirements. Some of the criteria for a successful jury include: accuracy of ensemble, creating a representative tone, accurate intonation, accurate rhythm, cleanliness of finger technique and articulation, convincing musicality and expression, proper stage demeanor, command of scales/arpeggios, and confident sightreading (for qualifying juries). Professional dress is expected at your jury.
Materials & Equipment
Have access to a metronome, tuner, and all etude and solo repertoire that is studied in lessons. Please see the merchant list for help in obtaining these items or apps. In addition, always have at least one box of reeds at your disposal. Incoming students are asked to own a professional model mouthpiece upon entrance, and a professional model alto saxophone by the end of freshman year. It is also important that necessary repair work be taken care of promptly. See Dr. James for merchant and repair recommendations!
Attendance Policy
Lessons occur only once per week, so attendance at each and every lesson is mandatory. If you must miss a lesson and know in advance, your first action is to work to switch lesson times with another saxophonist (ask Dr. James for the lesson schedule). If you are unable to switch with another student, contact Dr. James at least 2 days in advance to arrange a makeup lesson.
Medical issues with a note from a doctor, immediate family emergencies, and university-sponsored trips are acceptable reasons for rescheduling lessons. Unexcused absences (missed the bus, slept through lesson, didn’t feel prepared, called in sick the day of the lesson without doctor's note) will be factored as zero credit when averaging weekly lesson grades. Your instructor is not required to make up an unexcused lesson.
If a student misses two or more lessons for any reason they will be encouraged to seek withdrawal from MUS 3520/5434. Attendance is required at all studio classes, saxophone recitals, woodwind departmentals and guest saxophone masterclasses.
Accompanists
You will be provided with Collaborative Partnership Guidelines which include important deadlines for working with our accompanists. Contact the accompanist coordinator to establish piano accompaniment for a jury, recital, or concerto competition bid. You should schedule necessary rehearsal time with the accompanist and should be prepared to bring the accompanist to at least two lessons before a scheduled public performance. When giving an accompanied jury, the accompanist must be present in lessons at least by week 13 of the semester. You are responsible for informing the accompanist well in advance of lesson and performance obligations.
Checklist for Success
• Establish and maintain a daily practice routine.• Communicate promptly.• Attend a variety of Ohio University School of Music concerts. The more music performances you attend, the better musician you will become.• Regularly check your email for announcements.• Maintain your calendar at all times.• Listen to recordings of the repertoire and research your composer before your lesson.• Record your lessons if you wish. • Practice consistently, maintain a positive attitude, and respect for yourself, your professor, and your fellow students. • Continue working on repertoire until we’ve mutually agreed upon moving to a new work.• Take good care of school-owned instruments and mouthpieces, and be organized and courteous about scheduling the use of these instruments.• Become a member of NASA and JEN.
Accommodation
Any student who feels they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss your specific needs and provide written documentation from Student Accessibility Services. If you are not yet registered as a student with a disability, please contact Student Accessibility Services at 740-593-2620 or visit the office in 348 Baker University Center.
Academic Misconduct
Please refer to the student Code of Conduct.
Inclusion
Ohio University is committed to supporting inclusion of diverse people and populations within and beyond our campus community. It is crucial that we commit to learning from one another in our classroom and provide an environment where if something is occurring that prevents us from being able to succeed, we talk about and address it. Discrimination has a negative impact on one’s learning, and the hope is that we can create a classroom environment in which all are able to learn and succeed.
Religious Accommodations
In addition to participation/attendance/absence policies already listed, students/you may be absent for up to three (3) days each academic semester, without penalty, to take time off for reasons of faith or religious or spiritual belief system or to participate in organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or other religious or spiritual organization. Students/You are required to notify the instructor/me in writing of specific dates requested for alternative accommodations no later than fourteen (14) days after the first day of instruction. These requests will remain confidential. For more information about this policy, students/you may contact the Director and Title IX Coordinator, Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, Lindley Hall, 006, 740-593-9140, [email protected].
Applied Saxophone Study - MUS 3520/MUS 5434
Ohio University School of Music
Instructor: Matthew James, DMA Professor of Saxophone & Jazz Studies
Office: School of Music - 576 Robert Glidden Hall
School of Music Phone: (740)593-4244
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours by appointment
School of Music Undergraduate and Graduate Handbooks
Please be sure to read the appropriate student handbook, which will describe jury, PL/departmental and recital performance requirements and other important topics. A copy of the undergraduate and graduate handbooks are located here on the School of Music website. Included are details on required PL performances for all music majors.
Learning Outcomes
Students enrolled in Applied Saxophone will be able to
…demonstrate a characteristic sound on the saxophone appropriate to the student’s applied level, in multiple styles and musical contexts.
…perform standard solo, chamber, and large ensemble saxophone works and repertoire from under-represented groups in an effort to expand upon the Western European origins of the saxophone.
…confidently perform scales, etudes, sightreading, and other exercises appropriate to the student’s applied level.
…demonstrate knowledge about the saxophone repertoire being studied, including composer, era, style, and performance considerations
…perform for audiences and alongside fellow students representing varied backgrounds, communities, and beliefs.
…successfully complete applied level requirements as described in the School of Music Undergraduate/Graduate handbooks.
Lessons
Plan to arrive at each lesson warmed up, with a way to take notes, your best reeds (not just one reed) and a professional-level saxophone in proper playing condition. The goal is to have your assigned repertoire prepared to your best ability for every lesson, and be prepared with questions and issues that you want to address. Listen to professional recordings of your repertoire, and research the composer. If you follow these steps you’re likely to progress quickly!! If you have an exposed solo in an ensemble, please bring this to your lesson for coaching. All are encouraged to bring ensemble music to lessons for help.
Grading
Your final applied lesson grade is based on:
60% Average of your weekly lesson grades
30% Jury performance and your pass/fail scale exam
5% Assigned studio class performance
5% Attendance & participation at studio classes and at saxophone-related events.
Professional behavior, including respect for your studio colleagues and professors, and prompt return of
instruments and music owned either by Dr. James or the university.
The Performance Division of the School of Music mandates that a qualifying jury that does not result in advancement in applied classification will result in a final applied lesson grade of no higher than a C. A non-qualifying jury that results in a warning letter will result in a final applied lesson grade of no higher than a C+. For students not taking a jury, the lesson grade component will comprise 90% of the final grade.
Below is a description of lesson grading. Keep in mind that Dr. James assigns a grade for each individual lesson. Students are encouraged to request to view these grades at any time.
Grade in A range: Student obtains requested materials promptly; assignments are meticulously prepared and musically executed; student is performing at or ahead of chronological level; problems encountered in previous lessons are significantly reduced; student is attentive, cooperative and open to constructive criticism; student has no unexcused absences and arrives consistently on time with required materials.
Grade in B range: Student obtains requested materials promptly; assignments are adequately prepared and satisfactorily executed; student is at or slightly below chronological level; student shows evidence of having attempted to solve problems encountered at previous lessons; student is attentive and frequently cooperative; student is usually on time with required materials and has no unexcused absences.
Grade in C range: Student does not obtain materials promptly; assignments are only partially prepared and unsatisfactorily executed; student is below chronological level; student shows partial evidence of having attempted to solve problems encountered in previous lessons; student is apathetic to instruction; student is frequently late and misses lessons without prior notice. Student does not advance in applied classification at a qualifying jury, or receives a warning letter for a non-qualifying jury.
Grade in D range: Student does not obtain materials promptly; assignments are largely unprepared; student is severely below chronological level; student shows little evidence of having attempted to solve problems encountered at previous lessons; student is resistant to instruction; student is frequently late and misses lessons without prior notice.
Grade in F range: Student has 3 or more unexcused lessons, does not communicate, and/or does not show initiative to improve over the semester.
Studio Classes
Attendance and participation at studio class is expected and included in your final grade. Studio class will be held most Mondays at 12:55pm. Guest lectures, instructor & student presentations, student performances and saxophone quartet coachings are common activities during studio class.
Juries
Your jury is a performance demonstration of the progress you have made throughout the semester. Woodwind juries typically occur during the first two days of exam week. Two juries a year are required until applied music requirements are met. One jury a year is required of graduate students, secondary students, students who have completed applied music requirements and non-majors who have studied the entire academic year. Consult this WW Division document (ww_jury_requirements_rev_1-22-24.pdf) and School of Music Undergraduate/Graduate Handbooks for specific requirements. Some of the criteria for a successful jury include: accuracy of ensemble, creating a representative tone, accurate intonation, accurate rhythm, cleanliness of finger technique and articulation, convincing musicality and expression, proper stage demeanor, command of scales/arpeggios, and confident sightreading (for qualifying juries). Professional dress is expected at your jury.
Materials & Equipment
Have access to a metronome, tuner, and all etude and solo repertoire that is studied in lessons. Please see the merchant list for help in obtaining these items or apps. In addition, always have at least one box of reeds at your disposal. Incoming students are asked to own a professional model mouthpiece upon entrance, and a professional model alto saxophone by the end of freshman year. It is also important that necessary repair work be taken care of promptly. See Dr. James for merchant and repair recommendations!
Attendance Policy
Lessons occur only once per week, so attendance at each and every lesson is mandatory. If you must miss a lesson and know in advance, your first action is to work to switch lesson times with another saxophonist (ask Dr. James for the lesson schedule). If you are unable to switch with another student, contact Dr. James at least 2 days in advance to arrange a makeup lesson.
Medical issues with a note from a doctor, immediate family emergencies, and university-sponsored trips are acceptable reasons for rescheduling lessons. Unexcused absences (missed the bus, slept through lesson, didn’t feel prepared, called in sick the day of the lesson without doctor's note) will be factored as zero credit when averaging weekly lesson grades. Your instructor is not required to make up an unexcused lesson.
If a student misses two or more lessons for any reason they will be encouraged to seek withdrawal from MUS 3520/5434. Attendance is required at all studio classes, saxophone recitals, woodwind departmentals and guest saxophone masterclasses.
Accompanists
You will be provided with Collaborative Partnership Guidelines which include important deadlines for working with our accompanists. Contact the accompanist coordinator to establish piano accompaniment for a jury, recital, or concerto competition bid. You should schedule necessary rehearsal time with the accompanist and should be prepared to bring the accompanist to at least two lessons before a scheduled public performance. When giving an accompanied jury, the accompanist must be present in lessons at least by week 13 of the semester. You are responsible for informing the accompanist well in advance of lesson and performance obligations.
Checklist for Success
• Establish and maintain a daily practice routine.• Communicate promptly.• Attend a variety of Ohio University School of Music concerts. The more music performances you attend, the better musician you will become.• Regularly check your email for announcements.• Maintain your calendar at all times.• Listen to recordings of the repertoire and research your composer before your lesson.• Record your lessons if you wish. • Practice consistently, maintain a positive attitude, and respect for yourself, your professor, and your fellow students. • Continue working on repertoire until we’ve mutually agreed upon moving to a new work.• Take good care of school-owned instruments and mouthpieces, and be organized and courteous about scheduling the use of these instruments.• Become a member of NASA and JEN.
Accommodation
Any student who feels they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss your specific needs and provide written documentation from Student Accessibility Services. If you are not yet registered as a student with a disability, please contact Student Accessibility Services at 740-593-2620 or visit the office in 348 Baker University Center.
Academic Misconduct
Please refer to the student Code of Conduct.
Inclusion
Ohio University is committed to supporting inclusion of diverse people and populations within and beyond our campus community. It is crucial that we commit to learning from one another in our classroom and provide an environment where if something is occurring that prevents us from being able to succeed, we talk about and address it. Discrimination has a negative impact on one’s learning, and the hope is that we can create a classroom environment in which all are able to learn and succeed.
Religious Accommodations
In addition to participation/attendance/absence policies already listed, students/you may be absent for up to three (3) days each academic semester, without penalty, to take time off for reasons of faith or religious or spiritual belief system or to participate in organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or other religious or spiritual organization. Students/You are required to notify the instructor/me in writing of specific dates requested for alternative accommodations no later than fourteen (14) days after the first day of instruction. These requests will remain confidential. For more information about this policy, students/you may contact the Director and Title IX Coordinator, Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, Lindley Hall, 006, 740-593-9140, [email protected].