Posted by Rick Denney on November 01, 2001 at 15:03:36:
In Reply to: Music Programs and Tuba Schools in Texas posted by James Rees on November 01, 2001 at 14:32:18:
It depends on what you want. If you want to be an orchestral player, then go to where the orchestra players teach, and study with them. The orchestra players in Texas of that reputation are Dave Kirk in Houston (does he teach at Rice?), Matt Good in Dallas (SMU), and Lee Hipp in San Antonio (Trinity once upon a time, but probably also UTSA by now). All three are wonderful players and highly regarded teachers.
If you want a broader degree, perhaps with the experience of a big studio and ensemble opportunities, then the University of North Texas would be the obvious choice. Don Little has lots of successful students to attest to his eaching skills, as does Steve Bryant at the University of Texas. These places will give you a broader base--perhaps as the basis for an academic or educational career. Also, they have lots and lots of different kinds of groups to play in. Southwest Texas State also has an age-old reputation for education, with a reasonable music department.
So it seems to me the first think you have to do is decide what you hope to achieve.
Others can fill in what they like about each of these schools, but you'll learn more that's useful to you taking a sample lesson from your short list of prospective teachers.
Rick "who recalls no shortage of good musical training in Texas" Denney