VSU Tuba/Euphonium Homepage

ERIC BRADSHAW

BIO

Office Phone: 229-249-4965

Welcome to the Valdosta State University Tuba/Euphonium studio.  Students that comprise the studio include:  Music Education majors, Music Performance majors, Bachelor of Arts majors, Master of Music Education majors, as well as secondary and non-music majors.  The studio is located in the Fine Arts Building on campus.  Valdosta State is located just a few miles from the Florida border off of interstate 75.  We are approximately 3 hours from Atlanta, GA and less than two hours from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.  Valdosta, Georgia is a metropolitan area that has managed to keep the small town feel and appearance. 

In this area you will find information pertaining to auditions, events, and how the studio is structured.  There are also links to find more information pertaining to the VSU music department, various ensembles, and other areas of interest for the tuba/euphonium musician.

If you are a high school student that is interested in continuing your education in music, and would like to consider Valdosta State University, the audition dates for admittance and scholarship are typically in February and March, or by individual appointment.  For those of you who are soon to be graduating seniors in high school, I would be more than happy to assist you with any audition preparation, meet for a free lesson, talk about music, or just get together for a bite to eat.

Auditions:  The freshman or transfer student audition consists of three components:

Auditions: Master of Music Performance - Tuba Audition Material

Student must meet the minimum requirements as listed for the barrier exam-see below.   Students should also select material from the following list:

Etudes – Two contrasting etudes from the following books:

Solos – Two contrasting works/movements from the following solos:

Excerpts – Select 3 excerpts from the standard orchestral literature

The following is a suggested list of solos and method books that might be appropriate for the freshman level of study.  This is by no means a comprehensive list.

Euphonium Solos:

Tuba Solo:

Euphonium Method Books:

Tuba Method Books:

Structure:

The studio is a combination of lessons, studio class, and recital hour.  Each student receives a weekly lesson (or two) of 25 or 50 minutes depending on their major.  Students receive between 1 and 4 hours of credit.  As part of the lesson requirements, students have a studio class that meets once a week.  This time is used to cover aspects specifically related to the tuba and euphonium, perform for each other, tuba/euphonium ensemble and much more.  This is an invaluable part of the lesson experience here at VSU.

Students also meet once a week for recital hour.  This is an opportunity to hear other students throughout the music department.  All music majors are expected to perform on one recital hour every semester.  This helps to ensure proper preparation when it comes time for senior hearings and recitals.

Below, you will find a sample syllabus.  This is modified slightly to meet the needs of each student.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:  Majors register for lower division numbers unless they qualify for upper division work.  This qualification will normally occur after four semesters of study, based on approval from a faculty committee.  Majors must attend studio class and student recitals as determined by the instructor.

RATIONALE:  Individual applied music study with a professional teacher is essential to the development of a student’s musicianship and technical proficiency.

TEXT:  Method and etude books and repertoire representing all styles of applicable performance.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1.  Perform and interpret music literature from Western civilization as well as music from other world cultures.

2.  Present performances of solo and ensemble music in a variety of styles.

3.  Perform in a variety of ensemble settings.

4.  Develop a knowledge of performance techniques.

5.  Develop the ability to apply analytical and historical knowledge to curriculum development, lesson planning, and daily classroom and performance activities.

6.  Develop skill in assessment and evaluation of applicable performance.

7.  Develop an advanced level of performance skill in both solo and ensemble settings.

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES:  This course meets the following education outcomes:

            Bachelor of Arts:  Graduates of this program will demonstrate:

#1. Conceptual understanding of the literature and historical development of music in Western civilization and of the function of music in world cultures.

#2. Personal musicianship through solo and ensemble performance.

            Bachelor of Music with a major in music education will demonstrate:

#1. Develop a functional knowledge of wind, string, fretted, and percussion instruments, as well as voice.

#2. Develop the ability to apply analytical and historical knowledge to curriculum development, lesson planning, and daily classroom and performance activities.

                        #3. Develop skill in assessment and evaluation strategies.

#4. Develop and advanced level of performance skill in solo and ensemble settings.

            Bachelor of Music degree with a major in performance:  Students will:

                        #1. Acquire knowledge of applicable solo and ensemble literature.

                        #2. Acquire knowledge of applicable theoretical skills.

                        #3. Have experience with the fundamentals of pedagogy.

#4. Develop the ability to apply analytical and historical knowledge to activities related to performance.

EVALUATION:  Course evaluation will be based upon performance skills, studio class participation, and attendance at designated departmental events.  Performance skills will be evaluated through private lessons and semester juries as follows:

1. A grade will be assigned for each private lesson.  The average of all these grades will constitute 70% of the semester evaluation.  All students will be required to keep a notebook.  This notebook will contain numerous aspects of euphonium pedagogy, materials, vocabulary, etc.  This will be due at the end of each semester, but should be updated and added to on a weekly basis.

2. Students will perform a twenty minute jury before a faculty committee at the end of each semester.  Each committee member will assign a grade for the jury to be averaged as 20% of the semester evaluation.

            3. 10% of your grade will be based on recital attendance.

Requirements for Barrier Exam-given after the fourth semester of applied lessons before entering upper division 3000 level lessons

Tuba

Scales:  All Major and minor scales (with arpeggios)

                        1 octave

                        Quarter note = 120

Etudes:  To be selected from the following books by the instructor

Arban – Complete Method for Tuba

Bordogni – 43 Bel Canto Studies

Blazhevich – 70 Studies (vol. 1)

Getchell – Second Book of Practical Studies

Tyrell – 40 Advanced Studies

Solos:  Two contrasting excerpts or movements as selected by the instructor

Bach – Air and Bouree

Bencriscutto – Concertino for Tuba and Band

Catozzi – Beelzebub

Gabrieli – Ricercar

Haddad – Suite for Tuba

Handel – Allegro in F minor

Jager – Diverse Moments #1

Nelhybel – Suite for Tuba and Piano

Senaille/catelinet – Introduction and Allegro Spiritoso

Telemann – Adagio and Allegre

Excerpts:  To be selected from the standard orchestral and wind band literature (if selected by the instructor)

 

Links:

GHLBC

Ensembles

Tubenet-pictures, jobs, etc.

VSU Music Department 

 VSU Admissions

International Tuba/Euphonium Association 

Tuba Christmas – national site