Fall 2011 Woodwind Practicum Course Syllabus MPAME-UE.1425.001/GE.2105.001
Tuesday – 4:55-6:35pm
Professor Michael L. Breaux
Office: 244 Greene Street, #402
michael.breaux@nyu.edu
(212) 998-5613 office | (203) 530-9752 cell
Purpose
This course is designed for the study of the woodwind family of instruments in such a way that class members will
be able to teach and demonstrate woodwind instrumental techniques. Topics will include: woodwind
performance; ensemble rehearsal techniques (e.g., error detection, intonation, articulation); transpositions and
arranging for woodwind instruments; and woodwind instrument care and maintenance. The methods of
introducing the woodwind instruments to a student during a “first lesson” will be a primary focus of this course.
Aims
Students will be able to:
a) Teach a first lesson on each of the woodwind instruments studied;
b) Perform musically on a woodwind instrument at an elementary level;
c) Troubleshoot possible woodwind problems in real life settings; and
d) Arrange pieces for woodwind ensemble.
Evaluation
Students are responsible for:
1. Weekly attendance and participation in class (10%) (e.g., having your instrument and required music at
every class, being prepared to perform, knowledge of fingerings & embouchure).
2. In-class quizzes meant to demonstrate your practical knowledge. (10%) (e.g., fingerings, transpositions,
commonalities between instruments).
3. Performance of required scales. (20%) These performances may be submitted via video.
4. Teaching an in-class teaching demonstration (20%) This ten-minute teaching session should be based on a
lesson plan created to demonstrate your effectiveness with teaching techniques and woodwind pedagogy.
The session will be evaluated by individuals in the class as well as by the course professor. Each session
will be individually video recorded and will be available for review.
5. Arranging and rehearsing a piece for the ensemble in class. (20%)
6. Creating a portfolio that will house the pertinent information from this class that will serve as a resource
for your future teaching. (20%)
Required Texts: Flute, Clarinet, & Alto Saxophone (Optional Books: Oboe & Bassoon)
(All 5 texts can be found at the NYU bookstore)
Froseth, J. (2007). Do It! Play and Teach Woodwinds: A Musical Text for Secondary Instrumental Courses with a “Focus on
Teaching”, GIA Publications.
Suggested Readings:
1. Colwell, R. & Goolsby, T. (2002). The Teaching of Instrumental Music (3rd ed.). Prentice Hall.
2. Weisberg, A. (1975). The Art of Wind Playing. Schirmer Books.
3. Baines, A. (1991). Woodwind Instruments and their History. Dover.
4. Joppig, G. (1981). The Oboe and the Bassoon. Amadeus Press.
5. Timm, E. (1964). The Woodwinds. Allyn and Bacon.
Equipment Required for this Course:
Fall 2011 Woodwind Practicum Course Syllabus
Section 1
Since this is a skill-based course, you will be required to rent three instruments for use in this class: Flute, Alto
Saxophone, and Clarinet. The introductory class will utilize soprano recorders, supplied by Professor Breaux, to
introduce fingering woodwind instruments and reading fingering charts.
During the last class, Oboe and Bassoon will be presented. Students interested in learning these instruments may
discuss this with Professor Breaux.
Instrument Rental Sources
1. Universal Musical Instrument
(212) 254-6917 ask for Paul between 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Monday – Saturday
Have music, reeds, and supplies
732 Broadway, 2nd floor
New York, NY 10003-9584
Semester Rental: Oboe - $90; Flutes - $65; Clarinet - $65; & Saxophone - $90
2. Rayburn Music
(212) 541-6236
44 W. 62nd Street
3-month rental or school year lease
No Sheet Music
www.rayburnmusicny.com
3. First Flight Music
(212) 539-1383
174 1st Ave., 2nd floor
www.firstflightmusic.com
All instruments are available. Buy the instrument for the semester and when you return it, you get back
everything except the rental fee – approx. $100 depending on the instrument. Call for rentals.
4. Catalano Musical Products
(516) 488-2522
(516) 364-0256
(518) 775-3167 fax
1007 Jericho Turnpike
New Hyde Park, NY 11040
catamusic@aol.com
5. Roberto’s Woodwinds and Brass
(646) 366-0240
149 W. 46th St.
New York, NY 10036
Fall 2011 Woodwind Practicum Course Syllabus
Section 1
Fall 2011 Schedule of Classes
September 6:
Introduction, Recorder, & Fingering Chart
September 13:
Flute Day 1 (Rent Instrument and Purchase Book)
September 20:
Flute Day 2
September 27: Flute Day 3
October 4:
Flute Day 4
October 11:
No Class
October 18:
Clarinet Day 1
October 25:
Clarinet Day 2
November 1:
Clarinet Day 3
November 8:
Clarinet Day 4
November 15:
Saxophone Day 1
November 22:
Saxophone Day 2
November 29:
Saxophone Day 3
December 6:
Saxophone Day 4
December 13:
Oboe, Bassoon, Review, and Synthesis
Final Exam
Fall 2011 Woodwind Practicum Course Syllabus
Section 1