Brass Methods
Date
February 10-May 2, 2025
Online
Course Code
8075A
Credits
3
Tuition
$1146
Course Description
This course is designed to support the development of pedagogic skills relating to brass instruments through the study of the fundamentals of playing, tuning, harmonic series, literature, listening, special techniques, and problems for each instrument (including mouthpieces, mutes, alternate fingerings/positions, etc.).
* Course Numbers: MMEd 552 | MECA 8075A
* This course is offered at two course levels. Students enrolled in the MMEd program at VanderCook are eligible to enroll for the 500 course number. Students not enrolled in the MMEd program who wish to earn graduate credit as a MECA Continuing Education student should register for the four digit course number. The difference in credits earned and tuition cost is attributed to the difference in tuition rates for the MMEd and MECA Continuing Education programs. If you are unsure which section is best for you, please contact us directly at [email protected].
Instructor
Dr. Max Briggs is a professional tubist and teacher in Chicago and the surrounding area, who is dedicated to the advancement of Tuba and Euphonium through performance and education. Having studied with Ed Risinger, Rex Martin, and Gene Pokorny, Max earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, a Master of Music from Northwestern University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Northwestern University. His doctoral thesis, The Standard Repertoire for Solo Tuba has been presented as a lecture recital and is published in the International Tuba Euphonium Association Journal.
As a performer, Max has played with the Kenosha Symphony, Evanston Symphony, Northside Brass, Temperance Brass, Heartland Brass, and is a member of the Northshore Concert Band. Max won the Leonard Falcone Festival Tuba Solo Competition in 2015 and earned second place in 2014. He also won the Chicago Brass Festival Solo Competition in 2015. Max is a Meinl Weston Artist and has performed as a featured soloist with the Lake Forest College Concert Band, the VanderCook College Symphonic Band, and the Wilmington Symphonic Winds.
As an educator, Max teaches at VanderCook School of Music, North Central College, Lake Forest College, Merit School of Music, Niles North High School, New Trier High School, Neuqua Valley High School, Metea Valley High School, and Waubonsie Valley High School. His teaching is rooted in the pedagogy of Arnold Jacobs and draws upon a deep understanding of tone, technique, and musicality. His students have won solo competitions and consistently earn spots in Illinois district and all-state bands, as well as youth orchestras in the Chicago area. Max is an experienced masterclass clinician, and strives to leave a lasting impact on the musical community by inspiring the next generation of aspiring musicians.