Susquehanna University
Department of Music
Applied Lessons
Dr. Gail B. Levinsky, Assistant Professor of Music
Music Majors:
The advanced study of your instrument is imperative to your development as a musician. Instruction in applied studies are in place for your development of technical skills, the learning of traditional repertoire, and most importantly to achieve a high level musical communication with your instrument. As you develop your musical skills your ability to communicate verbally about music will also improve. It has been said "a knowing musician is understood as being one who knows music; a knowledgeable musician is one who knows about music."
Secondary Instrument-(music majors):
Instruction is offered to music majors who wish to further their studies on their secondary instruments. Course design is the same as for those who are studying their principle instruments. Focus is on the performance and pedagogical issues of the particular instrument.
Non-Majors:
Open to those non-majors from other departments. Many of you have studied for several years and can been considered "music-major level" while others are studying for the first time and learning the basics. The goals for the non-major students are principally the same as for music majors, however, this is dependent on the skill level of the student..
The following rules are basic for successful study in this course:
1) Enrolling in private lessons is an appointment. Please keep your appointments.
Missed Lesson Policy:
Lessons may be reschedule if the student notifies me at least 24 hours in advance regarding the lesson conflict. Lessons missed without advance notification will NOT be made up. Cancellation of lessons should only occur in the case of illness or rare circumstances. Unexcused absences will result in an "F" for that week’s lesson. Absences totaling more than 25% of the scheduled lesson times will automatically result in the student failing the course for the semester.
2) Grades: Weekly lesson grades will count for 70% of the final grade, 10% will be based on a final scale jury (scheduled during your last lesson), and a performance jury at the end of the semester will count for 20% of the final grade. Only music majors are required to have a departmental performance jury. Secondary and non-music majors will perform during the final studio class at the end of the semester.
3) Recital Hour/Performances: It is anticipated and expected that all members of this studio will attend recitals given by their peers. I greatly encourage your attendance at as many recitals and musical presentations as possible.
4) Performance Class: Throughout each semester I will schedule performance/studio class. This is an opportunity for every student (major or non-major) to perform. On occasion I will ask members of the studio to comment on another students’ performances. An opportunity for each of you to become accustomed with critiquing a musical performance. It is extremely important in developing your critical (positive as well as negative) analysis of music. All will learn from hearing others play.
5) Practicing: Outside practice/study is essential to successful progress. Minimum practice should be equal to the credit hour you are enrolled. Therefore, if you a music major enrolled in a two credit applied lesson you should be practicing 2 hours per day. It is understood that there are circumstances where this is not possible, but use it as a guide.
6) Junior/Senior Recitals: One half and one full recital are required of all performance majors. Music Education and Bachelor of Arts students are permitted, with the consent of the instructor, to schedule a junior half-recital and a senior full recital
7) Chamber Ensemble: The chamber ensemble experience is essential to your musical growth. All majors are required to enroll in woodwind ensembles.
8) Lesson schedule will be updated on a weekly on a as needed basis.
WATCH THE BOARD!!!
Upcoming dates: 2001-2002
Guest Artist Recital & Master Class
Dr. John Sampen, Bowling Green State University
September 9, 2001 Isaacs Auditorium, 3 PM (Recital)
September 9, 2001 I Isaacs Auditorium, 6 PM (Master Class)
Faculty Recital
Dr. Levinsky & Dr. Jackie Edwards Henry
Date: TBA
Senior Recital
Michael Grzelaczyk
Date: TBA
North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference
PLACE: University of North Texas, Denton, TX
DATE: March 6 -10
NASA Classical Performance/Jazz Improvisation Competition-(details to follow)