Applied Studies Overview

for Wind, String, and Percussion Instruments

A 1-credit private lesson requires a total of 7 hours of instruction time with the private teacher and requires multiple 15-minute coaching sessions with a university accompanist. A 2-credit lessons requires 14 hours of instruction time plus coaching sessions. Individual lesson length is at the discretion of the instructor, but usually lessons are provided weekly for 30 minutes (1 credit) or 60 minutes (2 credits). All students must complete a registration form available from the music office. Lesson times are by arrangement with the studio faculty.

Practicing Expectations

Discuss your goals for progress and level promotion (see below) with your teacher. 5 hours per week is the standard in order to be ready for annual level promotion (see below). Therefore, music majors should practice 5-10 hours per week and are encouraged to take 2-credit lessons on their primary instrument in order to have the best chance of completing graduation requirements for level promotion. Students who aspire to play a junior/senior recital should practice 10 hours per week. Students will need at least 15-25 hours per week to be competitive for graduate school auditions in instrumental performance. Non-music majors should work with their teachers to develop realistic practice goals. Just keep in mind that less than 5 hours per week will probably make level promotion for fulfillment of music scholarship requirements take longer.

Grading

Semester grades are weighted as follows:

• 65% - average lesson rating
• 20% - listening/learning credit (concert/recital attendance)
• 15% - jury

See how this weighting affects your grade on the grade projection spreadsheet (.xls)

Learning Materials

Students must be equipped with an instrument of a quality good enough to allow the students to meet their goals. If an instrument is of an inadequate quality, an upgrade may be required. Students are required to purchase assigned music and books for their lesson. These will not be available through the bookstore. Instructors will provide lists to the students and sources for purchasing them.