Date of Award

5-1966

Degree Type

Report

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

Music

Committee Chair(s)

Max F. Dalby

Committee

Max F. Dalby

Abstract

Many needs of the instrumental music teacher are filled by his being able to demonstrate tone quality, phrasing , proper breath support, and technique. One of the needs is the enrichment of the aesthetic portion of the student's education. The student may have great potential but must be guided with the demonstrations listed above to gain a fine musical experience. The teacher then understands the needs of the student and is able to fulfill them by the same type of study that every student must go through to play his instrument well.

A teacher can learn many things during the preparation for a performance which can be applied to his teaching methods, such as the importance of choosing the proper solo and method materials for the growth of each individual student. Also important is the selection of an instrument for the student . The teacher, in this case , learned many techniques which may be applied to other instruments as we ll as the ones on which he performed . The fingering exercises studied on the saxophone could develop coordination for the same muscles used when performing on the clarinet or flute. If this were not true it would be almost impossible to learn to play all the instruments with some degree of efficiency. The writer felt that performance on the piano and on woodwind and brass instruments would be the most beneficial project in improving his knowledge of teaching instrumental music.

The flute, clarinet, baritone, piano, trombone , tenor saxophone, and bass clarinet were the instruments selected for use in the recital . One solo that would portray its best qualities was picked for each instrument. The tenor saxophone and piano were chosen because of their importance in the writer's early musical studies. These were the only instruments studied before college .

The clarinet was selected because of its importance to the band . With the correct embouchure formation, proper reed selection, and a good quality instrument (all of which the director must discern), the clarinet can enhance the sound of a woodwind section . The writer has found that each individual player must have individual attention to insure the proper tone quality . An incorrect embouchure is extremely difficult to correct and at times impossible. This embouchure is formed by using muscles not used before and by unnatural facial position.

The bass clarinet was selected because of the possibilities it gave to technical development and because of the fine literature written for this instrument.

The trombone was selected because of previous study and for its problems of phrasing, slurring, and tonguing which can be overcome through proper study. The baritone was selected for its extraordinary sound which was an inspiration to the performer. The baritone also offers more technical possibilities than the trombone, because of the fingering combinations which can be used on the baritone instead of the oft-times cumbersome movements of the trombone slide . These movements are less troublesome if studied properly at the correct age. The writer feels that being a woodwind specialist or brass specialist alone is not enough . One must strive to be a specialist in both fields if he is to teach instrumental music.

The piano solo was useful for an embouchure rest so much needed because of endurance pressure. It also shows the versatility and importance of this instrument in the teaching of music .

The choice of an accompanist was very important because the solos performed were technically difficult and called for tremendous musical ability. Miss Patsy Hall was chosen for this essential role . She had played instrumental solos previously and understood her importance as accompanist. Her superior ability was of great assistance in the rehearsals and in the final performance.

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