Playing and Teaching the Tuba
Date
September 14-December 4, 2026
Online
Asynchronous
Course Number
MECA 8006C | MMEd 514TB*
Credits
MECA 3 | MMEd 2*
Tuition
$1,224
Course Description
Playing and Teaching the Tuba is designed for music educators who want to gain practical experience to further their understanding of the tuba and support the advancement of the tubists in their ensembles. This course starts at a beginner level and progresses through an intermediate level through the use of etudes, technical studies, and weekly recorded assignments. This course is asynchronous, including weekly recorded demonstrations and individual feedback for each student.
*This course is available at two levels:
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MMEd Program Students: If you’re enrolled in the MMEd program at VanderCook, register for the 500-level course in the student portal.
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MECA Continuing Education Students: If you’re not in the MMEd program but wish to earn graduate credit, register for the 7000/8000-level course.
The difference in credits earned and tuition costs reflects the varying tuition rates between the MMEd and MECA Continuing Education programs. If you’re unsure which section is right for you, feel free to reach out to [email protected] for assistance.
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.