Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions for Dr. Timothy McAllister—
Q: “Do all students get to study with you?”
TM: “All music majors in all degree programs declaring saxophone as their major instrument will be a member of the UA Saxophone Studio and receive lessons from me. In some cases, particularly when saxophone is a secondary degree or minor area, a student may be assigned to a graduate saxophone student for private instruction.”
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Q: “How often do lessons occur, and what is the duration?”
TM: “All saxophone majors will receive one lesson each week. Students pursuing Music Performance will receive a 50-60 minute lesson; Music Education majors will receive a 40-minute lesson; and Bachelor of Arts majors or saxophonists pursuing a Minor in music will receive a 30-minute lesson.”
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Q: “What material is covered in lessons?”
TM: “Lessons extensively cover all aspects of music and saxophone fundamentals, including tone, technique, intonation, flexibility, articulation, and range, as well as relaxation techniques, learning strategies, and critical-thinking skills. One to two Etudes are to be prepared each week, and progress is assessed towards a work, or works, chosen from the ‘Recommended Literature List’. Listening and reading material will be assigned as time permits. I work closely with each student to design an appropriate curriculum suited to their individual strengths and weaknesses.”
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Q: “What about jazz?”
TM: “Although my career has centered around classical or concert music, I am a strong advocate of jazz music/education and have had considerable experience in this area in my life. As professional musicians, we must be conversant in multiple styles, but basic musicianship cannot be ignored, which means having fantastic ears and equally fantastic chops. For me, this is what lessons are about. Jazz assignments–including etudes, transcriptions/tunes, tone development and technical exercises–will complement regular lesson material; however, given the school-wide Jury requirements and Degree Recitals at the completion of each year, the primary focus in lessons is on classical instruction. I highly encourage my students to take advantage of courses that exist in the Jazz Studies area, including Jazz Pedagogy, Jazz Improvisation classes, Jazz Bands, Small Combos, Jazz Keyboard, Arranging, and more. Saxophonists enrolled as Jazz Studies Majors will receive private instruction from both me and Prof. Jeff Haskell.”
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Q: “What other opportunities exist for chamber music?”
TM: “Chamber music definitely plays an important part of the music major experience here at the U of A. Apart from large ensemble requirements, most saxophone majors will participate in a Saxophone Quartet (SATB), a small ensemble coached weekly. This provides students a chance to develop skills on instruments other than alto (which most students specialize on), and each quartet has the opportunity to perform on the Saxophone Studio Recitals (twice a year), the annual Saxophone Ensemble Concert, or Wind and Brass Area Recitals (3-4 each semester). Quartets having reached a signficant level of maturity will have the opportunity to participate in local, regional, and national level chamber music competitions. The highly-competitive Catalina Saxophone Quartet holds auditions each year, and is a member of the Camerata Career Development Program, which provides funding and travel opportunities for performances throughout the region.”
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Q: “I understand you often leave school for touring and traveling. How does this affect your teaching schedule?”
TM: “My first commitment is to my students. I have always found that a student is more content having a teacher who is in demand and well-known in the music profession than a teacher who isn’t. This does usually mean I am traveling quite a bit; however, I hope this helps make my program attractive to interested students. I assure my students that I will make-up any lessons I miss for professional and creative activity. Also, I have weekly Office Hours available to students for extra help, and I always set aside time outside of lessons for coachings with collaborative pianists as you prepare for Juries and Degree Recitals.”
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For your specific questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Timothy McAllister directly at mcallist@email.arizona.edu.