FAQ
How many students are there in the clarinet studio? How many of them are graduate students? What is the balance between Music Education, performance, Bachelor of Arts, and non-major clarinet students?
For the 2018–19 school year, there are 33 clarinet majors, with one doctoral student, five MM students, and 27 undergraduates (pursuing a number of degrees, including Bachelor of Arts, Performance, Arts Administration, and Music Education). We are able to accommodate all who request lessons and are able to play in a large ensemble, so if you are interested to study at whatever level of commitment, we can help you.
I am worried that the studio will be too big for me. If I am at UNCG will I just be “a number”?
UNCG has about 600 music students, the largest in the state. With that, comes a large faculty with an incredible range of expertise, and a vibrant, passionate community. In the clarinet studio, we make sure that all students have access to all the clarinet teachers. We make an effort to foster a single clarinet community where students can seek advice and help from whomever they wish. Every week, we hold a studio class where we play for each other and share teaching ideas with the whole studio. So, no …the short answer to your question is that you will not feel like “a number.” You will get lots of personalized instructional time.
How many ensembles will I be able to play in at UNCG?
More of our students have problems in overcommitment to playing in too many ensembles rather than not having enough groups to play in. There are three bands, the University Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble, and a Symphony Orchestra. There is a smaller orchestra of sorts called the Casella Sinfonietta, and an Opera Orchestra. There are two jazz bands that our students sometimes play in, and the Old Time Ensemble, and a new music ensemble called Present/Continuous. And there are a lot of chamber music groups, and our students often play in clarinet quartets or woodwind quintets. There are a lot of options for our students. Most students play in one large ensemble.
What kind of instrument do I need to own to be in the clarinet studio at UNCG?
You need to own a professional level clarinet by your second year of study. We allow you that time in the first year so that we can help you pick out a good instrument if you need one. It is helpful to have our expertise when choosing, because every piece of grenadilla wood is unique.
What kinds of instruments will I have access to at UNCG?
UNCG has a superb collection of instruments for your use. All of the clarinet family is available, and UNCG owns top-of-the-line professional models of every member of the clarinet family: E-flat clarinet, B-flat soprano, A clarinet, Alto clarinet, Bassethorn, Low C Bass Clarinets, and Contrabass clarinets. UNCG even owns some classical clarinets if you are interested in historical performance.
Is the social climate of the clarinet studio relaxed or competitive?
The studio serves a wide range of students, from those who haven’t had a private lesson until college, to those who started focusing on being a clarinetist from a young age. There are also wide-ranging goals in the studio. The culture that we cultivate is one where we meet each student where they are in their development, and focus on helping them meet their own goals. In studio class we practice giving each other constructive comments, while caring for the overall health of the community. There is competition, but there are also lots of performance opportunities so students tend to have plenty of challenges to direct their energy toward.
What is life in Greensboro like?
There is not much traffic, and the downtown is a reasonable walk from campus. There are lots of artistic and community events happening in Greensboro. Greensboro is a great city for music lovers: it is the home of both the North Carolina Folk Festival and the Eastern Music Festival. Our students regularly attend Greensboro Symphony, Winston-Salem Symphony, and North Carolina Symphony concerts, and major clarinet soloists visit the region each year, usually to play chamber music concerts. Greensboro has all the culture of a large city, but with a small town feel, especially if you live on or near the UNCG campus.
Is there any current student I can contact to find out what it is like to be a music student at UNCG what it is like to be in the clarinet studio?
Yes. Current UNCG clarinetists Roddy Terrell ([email protected]), Joanna McCoskey Wiltshire ([email protected]) or Lucas Gianini ([email protected]) would be happy to answer your questions about the studio, life in Greensboro, and the UNCG experience!