Survival Strategies for the Freshman Year

My inaugural blog posting was inspired by Jeff Beal’s recent article “Is Someone You Love Going to College? Their Success Depends on Three Words.”  His valuable insights caused me to ponder how these suggestions could be applied to the freshman music major.  As I enter year #11 of college teaching here is the best advice that I have to offer.

You have arrived to college.  Now what?  Remember, you are never alone in the journey that is ahead.  You will have many resources at your disposal in order to make the journey a fruitful endeavor.  Applied lessons are an integral part of your training as a future musician and educator.  These guidelines are intended to provide strategies towards an easy, fun, and productive transition.

Success in college can be simplified into three components:

1. Show Up- Attendance is very important!  It is difficult to learn, ask for help, and receive help if you are not there.  Be proactive in seeking new opportunities.  Go to masterclasses, concerts, study sessions, and extra curricular activities.  Your physical presence gives others the impression that you are serious.
2. Try Your Best- Try to make every assignment, exam, rehearsal, lesson, and performance a display of your best effort.  You would not have made it this far if it was not for your profound talent.  Use the guidance of faculty and older students to cultivate your ability!
3. Ask Questions- If you don’t understand an assignment, a schedule, an expectation, a concept, or simply just need help, ASK!  We are here to help you.

In applied lessons we will:

• Establish a daily routine to foster and improve fundamentals
  
• Establish tools to develop and communicate your musical language
  
• Furnish a broad range of experiences including performing, listening to, and thinking critically about diverse genres of music
  
• Develop practice guidelines and strategies including global practice to work on fundamentals and target practice for preparation and interpretation of specific literature
• Develop time management skills such as when and how much to practice, how to manage your class schedule and homework, how to achieve a balance within your studies and social life
• Establish a connections between applied performance and coursework
  
• Work towards the goal of self-sufficiency

To achieve these goals do not neglect the importance of mental and physical health:

• Eat healthy, eat regularly...or at least try
  
• Sleep regularly...or at least try
  
• Enjoy a balanced social life
  
• Pursue non-musical hobbies and interests
  
• Call Mom and Dad

Again, you are not alone!  As Your Teacher I will:

• Lead by example
  
• Help each student be their best along their desired career path
  
• Do my best to match assignments to the student’s learning goals
  
• Make lesson plans
  
• Provide valuable performing experiences in and outside the department
  
• Bring in valuable guests to enrich the educational process
  
• Be available
  
• Answer questions to the best of my ability
  
• Communicate frequently through phone, e-mail, and the studio website
  
• Value a family-like environment in the tuba studio
  
• And, although I may not always agree, I will always listen

Good Luck!