Study double bass at the National High School Music Institute this summer
I’d like to invite bassists in high school interested in pursuing a career in music to attend Northwestern University’s National High School Music Institute this summer from June 27 – July 30, 2010. I’ll be teaching double bass there this summer, and I’d love the opportunity to work with serious-minded students intent on honing their double bass skills.
Audition repertoire can be submitted via CD and consists of two contrasting pieces/movements from “serious” repertoire. This could include two sonata movements, two concerto movements, one of each, or a short piece like the Bottesini Elegy, Koussevitzky Valse Miniature, or other such work. Details are available through the NHSMI application, and you can always email me (jasonheath -at- doublebassblog.org) with any questions.
Placement audition music (to be played when you arrive) is available here (PDF), and you can get an application through this page.
Folks familiar with me primarily through my blog may not be aware that I am primarily a teacher. In addition to teaching bass privately in metro Chicago for the past 10 years, I have served on the faculties of DePaul University, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and Trinity International University. I am a member of the Board of Directors for the International Society of Bassists and have performed and spoken on all things musical at a variety of clinics and events.
About Bass Study at the National High School Music Institute – June 27 – July 30, 2010
We’ll be focusing on the following components at NHSMI this summer:
- Advanced technical studies
- Solo literature
- Excerpt preparation
- Orchestral studies
- Audition preparation
- Bass ensemble skills and repertoire
One of the biggest challenges facing high school bassists is developing the skills necessary to succeed in the college and conservatory audition process. Fortunately, there are concrete skills (both musical and extra-musical) the can vastly improve one’s chances at auditioning successfully.
I am a big fan of using Don Greene’s audition preparation methods along with sports psychology and incorporating it into the study of the instrument. After all, it doesn’t really matter how well a bassist plays in the practice room if he or she can’t replicate those results in “real world” circumstances. This training will be a big component of double bass study at NHSMI this summer.
About Jason Heath’s Bass Teaching
Over the past 10 years, my students have gained admission to many prestigious music schools, including:
- Northwestern University
- Rice University
- Indiana University
- The Colburn School
- The Cleveland Institute of Music
- Eastman
- Boston University
- Oberlin
- Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
- DePaul University
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- University of Colorado
- University of Oregon
- University of Illinois
Through preparing students for successful admission to these schools, I’ve had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the audition process for a large percentage of major music schools, and will therefore, for those looking to pursue a career in music, focus NHSMI studies on developing the skills and repertoire necessary for success in the college audition scene and beyond.
Here’s a sampling of the materials and activities planned for double bass study at NHSMI this summer:
Technical Studies
- Shifting Drills – 2 Octaves with variations
- Progressive Scales – 2 Octaves with variations
- Left Hand Speed and Agility Drills – neck and thumb positions
- Petracchi – Simplified Higher Technique
- Hal Robinson – Boardwalkin’
- Hal Robinson – Strokin’
Solo Literature
Tailored to each student, but derived from the following:
- Koussevitzy Concerto
- Bottesini Concerto No. 2
- Vanhal Concerto
- Bach Solo Suites for Violoncello
- Sonatas by Hindemith, Misek, and Schubert
- Short works by Gliere, David Anderson, and Rabbath
Orchestral Literature
In addition to working on music being performed by the NHSMI Symphony, we will cover the core works of orchestral literature, emphasizing listening, score study, and historical information to determine style, bowings, and articulation. Works will be derived from the following list:
- Beethoven Symphony No. 5
- Beethoven Symphony No. 9
- Mozart Symphony No. 35
- Mozart Symphony No. 40
- Strauss Ein Heldenleben
- Strauss Don Juan
- Brahms Symphony No. 2
- Shostakovich Symphony No 5
- Tchaikowsky Symphony No. 4
Also, expect mock auditions, bass ensemble rehearsals and performances, and much more. Download an application here, and feel free to email me (jasonheath -at- doublebassblog.org) if you have any questions!
10 January 2010, 6:15 am
Are you going to co-operate with Maestro G. Tuneh?
23 January 2010, 1:07 pm
Hi
I´m doublebass Student in Bogotá – Colombia, I want to know about Prices, auditons schedule,conditions, Scholarships and everything else about This doublebass course.
Thanks
Nataly Linares
21 February 2010, 9:18 pm
Hey I emailed you earlier about the camp but I was wondering if the camp was more instrumental or orchestral?
This seems like a great opportunity
21 February 2010, 9:25 pm
Hi Nicholas–students at NHSMI play in the orchestra and also do technique class, lessons, and master classes, so it’s really a combination of both. You can fill out an application or contact the NHSMI admissions office for more information on specifics. I was a student at the institute myself in 1992 and 1993 and really got a lot out of it.