Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion Instruction
Flute, Recorder, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Drumset, and Percussion
Melissa Bohl, Department Head
Instruction on wind instruments typically begins with correct posture and hand position, breath support, and embouchure. The ability to read music is not a prerequisite, and any student who is new to musical literacy will learn the elements of pitch and rhythmic notation. As a student begins to acquire facility on the instrument, teaching concentrates on refinements of embouchure and tone production, articulation, dynamics, and phrasing. An advancing student will typically combine a study of technical materials, such as scales, arpeggios, and études, with solo repertoire such as recital pieces, sonatas, and concerti.
Drumset and percussion are offered at the South Brunswick and Princeton Academy locations for students of all levels. Beginners learn basic rhythm and reading skills through snare drum and drumset and receive an introduction to mallet techniques, while advancing students receive coaching in various aspects of percussion. All percussion students learn how to read music, maintain good sound production, and develop the dexterity to play the major percussion instruments.
Conservatory teachers in the wind, brass, and percussion department incorporate ear training, sight reading, music fundamentals, musicianship, and the promotion of good work habits into their instruction at all levels, and remain responsive to students' individual needs and learning styles.
Families with prospective students under the minimum age* may request an interview (30-minute maximum) if they would like to be considered for private instruction. Families will be asked to complete a registration form and pay an interview fee of $30 before the interview. Upon acceptance of a student under the suggested minimum age, the registration fee and tuition deposit will be due before the student can be placed with a teacher.
* The minimum age for winds and brass private study is 9; for recorder study, 6; for drum study, 7. The recommended lesson length for beginners is 30 minutes.
To view private instruction tuition rates, click here.
Learn how to register here.
GROUP INSTRUCTION
- Download the class schedule for all locations (PDF)* as of October 28, 2009
Westminster Conservatory offers a wide range of classes and ensembles to meet the needs of every student, from the beginner to the most advanced student, regardless of age. Some classes are intended as an introduction to music, and require no previous experience. Others are designed to complement private instruction. Most classes run 32 weeks per year. Class length is based upon minimum enrollment. Some classes may be offered with a smaller enrollment by reducing the class length. In this case, the tuition remains the same.
Recorder Round-Up
Timothy Urban, Instructor
Grades 3-4*
This dynamic recorder class is designed to strengthen and develop basic musical skills in rhythm, pitch awareness, and ensemble performance. While it is a perfect follow-up for those children who have gone through the Musical Explorations program, it is open to any student with some prior music training (private study) or who has attended other group music classes within and outside of the Conservatory. The class will focus on solidifying the basics of music through development of a sound, essential technique on the recorder, facilitating either future advanced study on recorder as a solo instrument, or as preparation for transition to other modern woodwind instruments such as flute or clarinet. Although the class will concentrate primarily on recorder, elements of Orff and Kodaly methodology will also be incorporated to provide a balanced and fun-filled musical experience. *Students under grades 3-4 who have completed one year of Musical Explorations will be accepted into this class. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 30
Class length: 55 minutes
Tuition: $585
Materials fee: $30
- Download the class schedule for all locations (PDF)* as of October 28, 2009
Experience the joy of making music in a small ensemble! Westminster Conservatory offers reading ensembles as well as coached chamber groups, depending on your playing goals.
Adult Chamber Reading Ensemble
Marjorie Selden, Coordinator
Adults
Here’s a unique opportunity for adult musicians to meet every other week to play together in small wind, string, or mixed ensembles. The coordinator organizes ensembles according to playing level, interest and compatibility, and advises members regarding repertoire. Different reading ensembles—working on their own—will be created from week to week, and new repertoire will be sightread. Westminster provides music scores, studio space, stands, and pianos. Wind and string participants bring their own instruments. Each session will include a coffee break with light refreshments and time to socialize. Princeton location only.
Number of sessions: 16 (ensembles meet every other week)
Session length: 3 hours
Tuition: $240
Coached Chamber Ensemble
Elena Panova, Coordinator
All Ages
Students of any age or level are matched with other musicians for duo, trio, and quartet performing. Groups meet weekly for individual coaching by a Conservatory faculty member. This program will introduce students to a broader range of repertoire and provide the opportunity for interaction with other musicians at the same level. Participants are encouraged to perform in community settings. This class is open to all instruments. An interview/audition is required for placement.
Number of sessions: 32
Session length: 45 minutes
Tuition: $688
FLUTE FACULTY
Kimberly Bryan
Jill Crawford
Ellen Fisher Deerberg
John Lane
Katherine McClure
Sandra Olson
Seth Rosenthal
Barbara Highton Williams
Kevin Willois
Amy Wolfe
RECORDER FACULTY
Tim Urban
OBOE FACULTY
Melissa Bohl
CLARINET/SAXOPHONE FACULTY
Kenneth Ellison
Deborah Gers
George Jones (clarinet only)
Darryl Yokley
BASSOON FACULTY
Ivy Haga
HORN FACULTY
Craig Levesque
TRUMPET FACULTY
Mike Green
Susan Moxley
Flora Newberry
Heather Rheam
TROMBONE/TUBA FACULTY
Sue Moxley
PERCUSSION FACULTY
Mika Godbole
To view faculty bios, click here.
*All PDF files require Adobe Reader (free).
Westminster Conservatory of Music - (609) 921-7104 - wccConserv@rider.edu
Weather Emergency Hotline - (609) 219-2001 ext. 3
