Principal Instruments: Woodwinds

Berklee prepares you for today's music by building on traditional aspects of learning. Woodwind Department instruction emphasizes a solid foundation in the standard technical challenges of professional performance. This includes the basics—breathing, embouchure, articulation—as well as theoretical studies involving scales, chords, arpeggios, and repertoire. In addition, advanced styles, improvisation, and interpretation are studied.

Upon completion of the performance core, students will:

• synthesize and integrate knowledge of contemporary and traditional styles into musical interpretation;
• synthesize and integrate knowledge of posture, breathing, and instrumental technique into their daily practice routines;
• demonstrate technical proficiency on their principal instrument;
• demonstrate the ability to sight-read music in a variety of styles;
• play music in a variety of contemporary and traditional styles;
• play in ensembles of varying size, instrumentation, and stylistic orientation; and
• apply knowledge of musical styles and harmonic practices in improvisation.