Categories

Syllabus





Applied
Electric Bass, Applied Double Bass

MUAI
1201, 1202, 1203

MUAI
1221, 1222, 1223

Matthew Wengerd

440.796.2635

863.248.2312

mewengerd@seuniversity.edu



College Mission Statement: Southeastern, a Christ-centered college, fosters student success by integrating faith and higher learning. Within our loving Pentecostal community, we
challenge students to prepare professionally so they can creatively serve their
generation in the Spirit of Christ.

Course Description: Designed to prepare students for the rigor of professional performance, private bass lessons are provided with three primary focuses: Classical Music (Double Bass), Jazz (Double Bass and/or Electric Bass), and Pop/Rock Music (Including worship styles – primarily electric bass). Students are encouraged to explore all styles as a part of their studies.

Course Materials:

Equipment:

A bass (duh!)

An amp (you do not need to bring to every lesson)

A good instrument cable

A strap

A tuner (I
recommend the Korg CA-30)

A metronome (Korg MA-30 will do. The more subdivisions available, the better)

Texts/Audio

Essential Styles for the Drummer and Bassist I and II (except classical DB students)

Reading in Bass Clef(All students)

The Bottom Line (except classical DB students)

SmartMusic Subscription (All Majors)

Course Requirements:

In order to prepare students for careers as professional musicians, educators, and church musicians, each year of applied lessons will have specific expectations of performance. It is hoped that students will exceed these goals, as these indicate minimal proficiency:

Year 1:

  • Students will play with proper technique.
  • Students will be able to play all major scales and arpeggios in two octaves using a variety of finger patterns.
  • Students will be able to sight-read simple melodies.

Year 2

  • Students will be able to play all melodic and Dorian minor scales and arpeggios in two octaves using a variety of finger patterns
  • Students will be able to sight-read more complex melodies.

Year 3

  • Students will be able to play various chord/scale patterns in all keys in two octaves.
  • Students will be able to apply use of learned scales to improvise.

Year 4

  • Focus will be on recital preparation. Students are expected to be able to improvise (when appropriate), play with appropriate technique, play with accurate intonation (when applicable), and be able to read difficult bass parts.

Juries:

All music majors are required to perform a jury for the music faculty every semester. This serves as the final exam and is the primary factor in the student’s final grade.

Text Information:

Coolman, Todd. The Bottom Line: The ULTIMATE Bass Line Book. New Albany: Jamey Aebersold Jazz, 1990.

Houghton, Steve and Tom Warrington. Essential Styles for the Drummer and Bassist, Book I. Van Nuys: Alfred, 1990.

Houghton, Steve and Tom Warrington. Essential Styles for the Drummer and Bassist, Book II. Van Nuys: Alfred, 1992.

Stinnett, Jim. Reading in Bass Clef. Candia: Stinnett Publishing, 1997.

Smart Music:

Smart Music is a subscription-based practice aid, turning your computer into your printed music, accompanist, and a critical ear. Subscriptions are $25/year through the University and will prove an invaluable tool in your practice time.

Additional Information:

All course information will be available from my blog: http://mwengerd.blog.usf.edu. Here, you will find a schedule, copy of the syllabus, and much more. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns you have. My proverbial door is always open.