Bedford Junior High School Band

Bedford Junior High School Band Bedford Junior High School 325 Carolyn Drive Bedford, TX 76021 817-788-3101 Band Directors: Valerie Howell Eric Suzanne Dell Clarinet Lesson Handbook Summer 2014 Melissa Fuller, Clarinet Instructor MEFuller.clarinet@gmail.com

*IMPORTANT: This handbook is to be used along with the band handbook distributed by Ms. Howell and Ms. Dell. Guidelines in the band handbook also apply to private lessons. Table of Contents Communication...3 Benefits of Private Lessons...3 Lesson Objectives...5 Lesson Materials..6 Grading Policy*...6 Attendance/Cancelation Policy*..6 Payment Policy*...7 Practice Materials 7 Practice Guidelines and Pointers 8 Clarinet Lesson Handbook Agreement Form..9 Weekly Lessons Focus Form..10 Practice Log..11 *The instructor reserves the right to make exceptions to any of the terms 2

Communication If you have a concern, or cannot find the answer to a question in your lesson notes and materials, please feel free to contact me at MEFuller.clarinet@gmail.com. My phone number is available upon the parent s request. Please understand that I have full teaching and class schedules during the day, but will make every effort to return your e-mail/phone call as soon as possible. Benefits of Private Lessons In private lessons, the teacher has the opportunity to work individually and directly with your child, at their own rate of progress, with the process of learning. Private teachers act as a guide to the process of self-discovery through music. The directors at Bedford Junior High do not require private lessons, but they strongly encourage them. Below are examples of what can be seen in a clarinet lesson: The mechanics of the clarinet How to put the instrument together How to hold the instrument and place fingers on the instrument How to create a sound with the instrument proper breathing, embouchure, voicing) How to care for reeds The technique of playing the instrument How to sustain a sound and play a series of pitches which becomes a melody with a desired tone 3

How to use your body to support the instrument which, among other things, helps build stamina and prevent injuries The mechanics of reading music Understanding the written musical language staves and notes) which creates the music that we hear - melodically and rhythmically Understanding how to interpret the markings that the composer wrote to indicate how he/she wanted the music to be played how fast or slow, how loud or soft, how smooth or detached, etc.) Besides teaching all of the important aspects of learning the instrument, private teachers provide: Hands on instruction Teachers demonstrate and allow the student see, hear and feel the proper way to use the clarinet Instant feedback while one can learn fundamentals from a book or video, there is no one there to correct or help when something is done incorrectly. This may result in bad habits and will be very difficult to correct in the future. Also, praise is instant when something is done correctly. Personalized training appropriate exercises and repertoire will be chosen for your student s level so that they can feel positively about their abilities while progressing Goal setting together your student and will set realistic goals that match his or her particular needs, desires and abilities Constant support and encouragement when your student stumbles, get stuck, or feel like they are doing everything wrong, I private teacher will be there to support you and guide them to the next level. When your student has a question in between lessons they are welcome to contact me via e-mail. Parents: You may wish to consider some of the less obvious benefits of private. Lessons. These might include learning to solve problems independently, learning to work within timelines to complete projects, learning to cope with stress, learning how to get back on the horse after we fall off, learning how to take pride in an accomplishment, and learning how to work as a member of a team ex. project groups and band). 4

Lesson Objectives To develop self discipline through preparation and practicing of instrumental music. To develop an ability to make musical value judgments through critical listening. The student shall be provided opportunities to recognize quality of sound, pitch, intonation, style, tempo, rhythm, blend, balance, phrasing dynamics and articulation. To develop skills in using and understanding note values, rests, key signatures, scales, musical terms, signs and symbols. To develop proper instrumental technique, care for instrument, correct posture and playing position, embouchure, good tone, correct breathing, technical proficiency, and rhythmic skill. To develop instrumental technique in finger/tongue coordination, intonation, musical phrasing, dynamic control, rhythmic skills, and articulation. To develop music reading skills, hand/eye coordination, and to interpret musical symbols both written and presented in aural examples. To develop musical sensitivity through performance of music as well as listening to music. The student shall be provided opportunities to internalize generally accepted authentic performance styles and techniques in music played and heard. To evaluate the quality of music performance, the student shall be provided opportunities to evaluate progress. Students will evaluate solo and group rehearsals and performance, and recognize quality of sound, pitch, style, tempo, rhythm, intonation, blend, balance, phrasing, dynamics, and articulation. To develop creative self-expression in every performance experience and explore possible careers in music. To learn the hallmarks of professionalism in his/her own ensemble, school, region, and state, as well as to treat themselves and others with respect. 5

Lesson Materials Students are to bring these items to their lessons: Clarinet 3 ring binder with paper, Weekly Lesson Focus, and Daily Practice Logs Pencil Assigned music repertoire, etudes, and exercises) Learning attitude! Weekly Lesson Focus Form: During lessons, the teacher fills in this page. This will contain what we did during lessons each week and specific goals to reach with each subject. It is essentially a reminder of what needs to be done in between lessons. This form will tell you exactly what you need to know and what I expect of you at your next lesson. Grading Policy* Grades during lessons do not affect the student s grade in their band class; grades are just a communicative tool for the parents and the band directors to measure the student s progress in his or her lesson. O=Outstanding E=Excellent S=Secondary I=Improvising N=Needs Work The student s grade will be determined by: Preparation of assigned materials Attitude Improvement Attendance Attendance/Cancellation Policy* There is a 24-hour lesson cancellation policy. If you inform Ms. Fuller at least 24- hours before the scheduled lesson, you will not be charged and will be eligible for a make-up lesson. You will be charged for a lesson if you cancel in less than 24 hours. Students eligible for a make-up lesson will be scheduled on an individual basis. If you must miss due to an unavoidable conflict or family emergency, please notify Ms. Fuller as soon as possible, and we will discuss lessons at a later time. If this happens more than 3 times a semester, you will be charged for future absences. 6

Payment Policy* All private music lessons are paid monthly 4 lessons) in advance billable by the calendar month. If the monthly payment is not paid in full on the first scheduled lesson of the month whether the student attends the lesson or cancels it) the lesson rates increase by $1.00 per lesson for that month and no further lessons will be given until the monthly balance is paid in full. Please contact Ms. Fuller if a different payment plan is needed due to financial difficulties. If this is the case, both parents and instructor must be in agreement what the plan will consist of. Music for all, all for music. Practice Materials Along with materials listed in the Fee & Equipment List, students will utilize each of these materials while practicing. 1. 3 ring binder with loose-leaf paper) specifically for lessons/the clarinet 2. Weekly Lessons Focus and Daily Practice Log 3. Metronome preferably one with subdivisions 4. Music Stand 5. Tuner 6. Mirror 7. Assigned music, etudes, or exercises 8. Optional: recording device Daily Practice Log: When you decide your priorities before you practice, you ll know exactly what you need to get done today. You can track your current metronome setting on this page too. You ll fill out this form on the days in between lessons when you re practicing on your own. Both the student and parent are to sign the Practice Log at the end of each week. 7

Practice Guidelines and Pointers Lessons take place once a week for 30 minutes and for the rest of the week they are to practice assignments on their own. Productive practice is a crucial factor in how quickly you will progress. Along with lessons, regular and thoughtful practice is another essential part of musical study. When practicing, you will apply methods learned in lessons and reinforce it on your own. Below are a few practice methods that allow high productivity. 1. You are expected to practice 3 hours during school week and an additional 2 hours on the weekend. That s about 40 minutes day during the school week, 1 hour on Saturday, and 1 hour on Sunday. That s 2 episodes of Spongebob a day go be friends with your clarinet! Sound better than Squidward! 2. Set aside a definite regular times) for practicing, and do not let anything interfere with that times). 3. Put away all electronics! Turn off the radio and the television! 4. Be sure you understand each week s assignment and how to practice each item assigned. 5. Spend time on what you have problems with, not on what you can do well. 6. If you don t understand ask questions!! 7. Use your metronome! Find a metronome speed slow enough to allow you to play a passage perfectly. After each perfect play-through, raise the speed one notch. If you stumble or play incorrectly, put the speed down one notch. When you feel you have reached your best speed, write it in your music or on a separate piece of paper. The next day repeat the process. 8. If you make a mistake twice on the same note, write a comment in the music that will help you do the right thing the next time. 9. Check frequently in a mirror preferably full length) for correct breathing habits and hand/finger position. 10. Take breaks! It s all right to take a 5-minute break after 15 minutes to recharge your brain and regain your focus. Go and get a drink of water and reflect, but then get back at it! 11. Have fun! Switch it up and try different things to lead you to your end goal! 8

Clarinet Lesson Handbook Agreement Form Student s Name printed) School I have read the Clarinet Lesson Handbook and understand its contents. I will follow, to the best of my ability, the policies and guidelines contained within. I also understand that by not following the attendance and payment policies may result in a fee. I understand that by not following the guidelines will only hinder my own progress. Student s Signature Date I have read and reviewed the Clarinet Lesson Handbook, which explains the guidelines and policies of private lessons with Ms. Fuller. I understand its contents and agree to conduct myself according to the above standards. I will encourage my child to follow the rules and regulations in the handbook. I also understand that by not following the attendance and payment policies may result in a fee. I understand that the interpretation of the handbook rests with the Ms. Fuller. Parent s Signature Date **Please print, sign, and return this form to Ms. Fuller BY your second lesson** 9

Today s Date: Scales and Warm-ups Technique) Grade Specific Goals O=Outstanding E=Excellent S=Satisfactory I=Improving N=Needs Work Etudes and Exercises Specific Goals Repertoire Specific Goals Other Specific Goals Special Notes for the Week Next Lesson What to bring to your next lesson: Date: Time: 10

11 PracticePriorities Metronome Marking Time Spent Total PracticeTime PracticePriorities Metronome Marking Time Spent Total PracticeTime PracticePriorities Metronome Marking Time Spent Total PracticeTime PracticePriorities Metronome Marking Time Spent Total PracticeTime PracticePriorities Metronome Marking Time Spent Total PracticeTime PracticePriorities Metronome Marking Time Spent Total PracticeTime PracticePriorities Metronome Marking Time Spent Total PracticeTime Bysigning,Iverifythetruthfulnessofthispracticelog.ParentSignature StudentSignature