The purpose of this project was to examine aspects of flute choir formation, participation, and performance as they relate to ensembles at the university level. Three main areas were covered: (1) a presentation and an analysis of data resulting from a survey of colleges and universities that are members of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); (2) a discussion of the advantages of establishing a college flute choir and the problems encountered in maintaining the ensemble; and (3) a presentation of various warm-up exercises that may be used in a flute choir rehearsal.Of the 449 flute choir questionnaires distributed, 120 (26.9%) were returned of which 71 (59.2%) were found to have existing flute choirs. A list of states represented by the respondents and twelve tables were presented. The tables included facts pertaining to the profile of the universities and music departments of the respondents, various structural elements of flute choirs, reasons for maintaining a university flute choir, and the relative importance of various warm-up exercises.The data presented in the tables included details regarding frequency and length of rehearsals, availability of E-•flat, alto, and bass flutes, number of concerts given, membership and audition requirements, and college credit offerings for university flute ensembles. Problems encountered in maintaining the ensemble, selection of repertoire, and preparation for performance were also covered. The reasons deemed most important for establishing or retaining a university flute choir include the development of chamber ensemble playing skills, individual playing skills, style interpretation, sight-reading skill, and the addition of a performance outlet. Warm-up exercises listed as the most often used in flute choir rehearsals include those for intonation, scales, and triads. Warm-up exercises that can be used in a flute ensemble setting to enhance the rehearsal routine are included and cover the following areas: Relaxation Techniques, Breathing, Tone Development, Intonation, Technical Exercises (Scales and Triads), Rhythmic Drills, and Sight-reading.From the statistics cited and the topics explored in this project, the premise is substantiated that the university flute choir is a viable performing ensemble and can also serve as an effective instructional medium. / School of Music

The purpose of this study is to understand the principles of the “School of Tárrega” by analyzing Tárrega’s thirty elementary-level studies and twenty-five intermediate- and advanced- level studies according to books written by Pujol and Roch. Tárrega set the modern sitting position based on the guitar of luthier Antonio Torres’, and two of Tárrega’s outstanding pupils, Roch and Pujol, wrote three volumes of methods, which are the foundations of the “School of Tárrega.” Therefore, the principles of the School of Tárrega, such as sitting and playing positions, right- and left-hand playing positions, right- and lefthand finger movements, and sound quality are first discussed in this study. Then, the fiftyfive guitar studies are discussed and analyzed in groups according to their different technical purposes, such as scale playing, arpeggio playing, blocked chords, barré technique, slur technique, and special sound effects. When applicable, the modern technique will also be visited and compared for understanding the similarities and differences between the modern approach and the School of Tárrega. / School of Music

This is a research project based on the author’s experience of more than 20 years as conductor of the Eastern Cape Childrens Choir. It investigates the effectiveness of technical exercises - with special reference to selected “warm-up” exercises - in creating a superior choral tone in the children’s choir. The investigation is motivated by the fact that it is an ongoing challenge to effectively overcome problems with intonation and poor choral tone, problems which are mostly caused by lack of attention to pure vowel formation. Toward this end, a practical “tool box” of vocal exercises for the children’s choir is ultimately proposed. The toolbox is based on one single exercise with different variations. Each variation is designed to address multiple vocal needs and to correct vocal production during singing. In this manner a great many technical aspects are covered with the simplest of means and in the shortest possible time, bearing in mind that the rehearsal session allows limited time to focus on such matters to the exclusion of all else.

Note:

This qualitative case study was undertaken in order to explore the experiences of drum set students who apply themselves to James Dreier’s Standard Tune Learning Sequence (STLS) in a self-directed learning environment. These experiences ultimately shed light on how best to implement Differentiated Instruction to the STLS. The study draws on the experience of three adult drum students under the instruction of the author. The students were provided with the STLS and left to proceed with it on their own. They were asked to keep a record of their progress in the form of a learning journal. These learning journals were used, in conjunction with transcribed interviews and learner profiles, as data for this study and as such were subjected to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The study recognizes three factors which affect the student’s successful progression through the STLS: readiness, interest and meaning. Each factor is discussed in relation to literature on differentiated Instruction. Recommendations are made regarding the implementation of Differentiated Instruction to the STLS.

The voice is the only natural and, when properly trained, also the most perfect instrument. Any other instrument, be it string, wind or percussion, is a separate entity, an object devised by man, and over the years altered, improved and perfected. None of those, from primitive pipes to the most intricate electronic apparatus can produce a single sound without human aid. It needs someone to play it manually and/or orally. Intro., p. 1.

Embouchure dysfunctions, including those from acute injury to the obicularis oris muscle, represent potential and serious occupational health problems for trumpeters. Forces generated between the mouthpiece and lips, generally a result of how a trumpeter plays, are believed to be the origin for such problems. In response to insights gained from new technologies that are currently being used to measure mouthpiece forces, belief systems and teaching methodologies may need to change in order to resolve possible conflicting terminology, pedagogical instructions, and performance advice. As a basis for such change, the purpose of this study was to investigate, develop and propose an operational definition of mouthpiece forces applicable to trumpet pedagogy. The methodology for this study included an analysis of writings by selected brass pedagogues regarding mouthpiece force. Finding were extracted, compared, and contrasted with scientifically derived mouthpiece force concepts developed from scientific studies including one done at the UNT Texas Center for Music & Medicine. Results characterized five mouthpiece force principles as the basis for an operational definition of mouthpiece force. This definition recognizes the relationships between average mouthpiece force and mouthpiece force variability. Mouthpiece force principles as presented in this study may contribute to a better understanding of mouthpiece force and its link to lip related injuries. However, additional studies are needed to better understanding the relationships between how the trumpet is taught and learned and the resulting mouthpiece forces produced when playing the trumpet.

Etudes have been composed to address the primary challenges found in ten selected euphonium wind band pieces. Each work was chosen based on its frequency of occurrence in military band auditions as well as its appearance in excerpt books and journal articles. Practice drills, practice variations, and overtraining studies are the primary concepts used for composing each etude. List of selected works: (1) Roman Carnival Overture Op. 9, Hector Berlioz; (2) First Suite in E-flat for Military Band Op. 28 No. 1, Gustav Holst; (3) Barnum and Bailey's Favorite, Karl King; (4) The Melody Shop, Karl King; (5) Aegean Festival Overture, Andreas Makris arr. Albert Bader; (6) Theme and Variations Op. 43 A, Arnold Schoenberg; (7) Festive Overture Op. 96, Dmitri Shostakovich arr. Donald Hunsberger; (8) Festival Variations, Claude T. Smith; (9) The Stars and Stripes Forever, John Philip Sousa; and (10) Suite from the Ballet: Pineapple Poll, Arthur Sullivan arr. Charles Mackerras.

"After having used several string class methods in his teaching experience, and studied others, the writer has formulated certain ideas which he believes might lead to greater achievement in the teaching of stringed instruments. These ideas have been tried in actual teaching situations and those which proved of merit are contained herein as the teacher's manual for a method of instruction"--Introduction. / "August, 1952." / Typescript. / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Education." / Advisor: W. L. Housewright, Professor Directing Paper.

The modern piccolo trumpet is required by professional trumpet players for the performance of solo repertoire, chamber music, orchestra, and wind band. Students in universities around the world study the piccolo trumpet in preparation for professional careers, but relatively few pedagogical tools exist to specifically focus on the nuanced techniques of the instrument such as articulation, range, and sound production. The purpose of this project is to create a pedagogical guide that can serve as a method for students learning the modern piccolo trumpet.