TROMBONE STUDIO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I know about UGA?
The Hugh Hodgson School of Music is a thriving department within the larger Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. The School of Music is home to about 300 undergraduates and 200 graduate students and is housed in a magnificent state of the art facility. Ensembles are strong (and getting stronger!), practice rooms are plentiful and there is a strong sense of community within the department. There are hundreds of performances every year, many of which are presented in the acoustically brilliant Performing Arts Center.
Each year, over 300 concerts and recitals are offered by the ensembles of the Hodgson School. Performance experience for both music majors and non-majors is offered in large ensembles and chamber groups of extensive variety. All degree programs require students to perform in both large and small ensembles. Participation in a large ensemble is a co-requisite of applied study. At present, the School supports fourteen large ensembles which include three Concert Bands, the Redcoat Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, University Philharmonia, and the Symphony Orchestra.
Chamber ensembles are a vital area of study within the instrumental department. In addition to the Trombone Ensemble, studio members are involved in either a brass quintet or trombone quartet. These groups are an excellent way to push individual artistic boundaries.
What type of Music Degrees are offered?
The Hugh Hodgson School of Music offers a variety of programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Degree emphasis ranges from broad to very specific, ensuring that every student is able to focus on their area(s) of interest. At the undergraduate level, all music majors have Applied Music & Ensemble components.
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Music - Performance
Bachelor of Music - Education
Bachelor of Music - Composition
Bachelor of Music - Theory
Bachelor of Music - Therapy
Bachelor of Arts - Music
Music Minor
Jazz Minor
Graduate Programs:
Master of Music - Performance
Doctor of Musical Arts - Performance
Doctor of Musical Arts - Education
Doctor of Musical Arts - Trombone MInor
What should I prepare for the Audition?
Incoming freshmen should be prepared to play all twelve major scales and arpreggios, contrasting solo/etude material, and sight reading. Be sure to check out the list of suggested repertoire here. Please consider your musical selections carefully, and be sure to showcase your very best playing.
Prospective Graduate Students should check here for prescreening repertoire. Once invited for a live audition, consult with Dr. Bynum for solo repertoire. Following DMA audtions, there will be a brief interview with the Brass Faculty.
What expenses should I expect as a Music Major?
Every member of the studio is required to own their own instrument. Tenor trombone majors should have a .547 bore tenor trombone with f-attachment. If they have an interest in jazz or commercial music, a .500 or .525 bore instrument (such as a King 2B) is necessary. Bass trombone majors should have a .562 bore instrument with F/Gb independent valves. Though bell size is variable, 9.5" is preferable.
Like many things in life, you get what you pay for. There are many reputable instrument companies, and it is in your best interest to stay with them (Bach, Edwards/Getzen, Conn, Shires, Yamaha, Benge, etc). Buying a new instrument can be a dizzying process, so please consult with Dr. Bynum before finalizing the purchase. Otherwise....caveat emptor.
Every student must also own a suitable mouthpiece and are responsible for purchasing the necessary materials to maintain their instruments in excellent working condition.
You will also be required to purchase etude and solo material each semester. These materials serve as the foundation for your course of study, and are an absolute necessity. Dr. Bynum will assign material on an individual basis. An exhaustive list of solo and etude materials can be found here. Purchases should be made in a timely manner.
Students are encouraged to purchase additional music and recordings from various genres on a regular basis. Building an extensive library of resources is invaluable for both the future educator and performer.
It will also be necessary for every student to own a straight mute and cup mute. Preferable models are Denis Wick, Jo-Ral, or Tom Crown. Additional requirements can be found in the studio syllabus
How much time do I "have to" practice?
That depends on how important becoming a better musician is to you. Make no mistake, your time in college will go by very quickly, and it is very important to take advantage of this opportunity to improve your abilities. Doing so will absolutely translate into success, regardless of your chosen discipline.
Lessons can't make you a better musician...only consistent practice of a high quality can do that. I will give you all of the tools to succeed, but you need to commit to doing the work for yourself. If you're practicing to improve, I promise that you will be prepared for lessons. If you're practicing to improve, I promise that the time will fly by. Check here for more advice on how to keep your practicing productive.