Resources

Studio Documents

Q: What solo should I play next?

A: I would recommend any or all of the following:

1. Download the ITEA Standard Literature List from ITEA.

2. Note which solos that you liked when other students performed them in seminar or in their recital.

3. Peruse Professor Manning's music library and sign out music using the sign out sheet near the door.

4. Read the ITEA Journal (New Materials Reviewed) and check out their website program section.

5. Listen to recordings for ideas and inspiration.

6. Attend live recitals of students and faculty and don't limit it to euphonium or tuba (voice, string, piano, woodwind, etc.)

7. Go to your local music store and see what they have in stock

8. Check out publisher and composer websites.

9. Do a Google search for new or popular solos for your instrument.

10. Attend a regional or international tuba euphonium conference.

Q: What is a proficiency exam?

A: At the University of Iowa School of Music, the brass area requires all undergraduate music majors to pass four "barrier exam", called the proficiency exam, at the end of each of the student's first four semesters of lower level applied lessons. Students must pass all four stages of the proficiency exam in order to register for upper level lessons. (Bachelor or Arts students are not required to pass proficiency exams since they are only required to take four semesters of lower level applied lessons.)

The material required includes scales (major, natural minor, harmonic minor and melodic minor), arpeggios (major, minor, diminished seventh and dominant seventh) and excerpts (orchestral and band). For a complete list of the proficiency requirements, please refer to your syllabus. 

After the student passes the exam, they progress onto the next stage. If the student fails a stage, those materials must be repeated at the end of the following semester, along with the material for the next stage. Three failed proficiency exams will result in forcing the student to declare a new major.

Q: How do I get involved in a brass quintet or a tuba/euphonium quartet?

A: You can take brass chamber music (025:190:002) for credit. You are responsible for finding other students who will commit to participating in your group for the semester. If you need assistance, check with Professor Manning and the other brass faculty. The syllabus for the course requires that you form the group by the end of the second week of the semester and commence coachings by the third week of the semester. At least three members of a quartet or quintet must take the course for credit. All chamber groups are required to rehearse two hours before each weekly coaching and must present two performances during the semester. To view the complete syllabus, click here.

Q: What is a Final Project?

A: Final Projects are semester-long endeavors that each student in the studio is required to complete and is taken into account for the final semester grade for the student.  The details of each semester's project are explained at the beginning of each semester and are designed to facilitate learning above and beyond taking applied lessons and participating in ensembles.