Blair School of Music
Vanderbilt University
Brass students at Vanderbilt University work with world-class faculty, enjoy an unrivaled undergraduate experience, and have extraordinary access to transformative performance and professional opportunities, both within the Blair School of Music and in the unique and thriving brass scene of Music City. Our current brass majors come from many different US states and a wide variety of backgrounds, yet are united by a shared passion for music, scholarship, service, and community.
Why Blair?
The Blair School of Music is unique in that it is an intensive undergraduate only music school set within an elite research university that is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. As a selective undergraduate-only program, all students have numerous opportunities to play in orchestra, wind ensemble and chamber ensembles throughout their time at Blair.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, there are openings for both tuba and euphonium this year.
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The studio typically consists of 5-6 tubists and 2-3 euphonium players.
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Please see the audition requirements for specific repertoire guidelines. That being said, we want to hear the repertoire you feel best represents your playing abilities and interests. Choose repertoire that you feel speaks to your strengths as a performer and interests as a musician. If you have any questions about whether or not a piece/excerpt/etc. would be a good choice, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.
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All students enrolled at the Blair School of Music will participate in both large ensembles and chamber ensembles. At Blair, large ensembles consist of the Blair Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra. Students rotate between ensembles throughout each semester. Additionally, participation in chamber music is required of all Blair students and all chamber ensembles meet three times per week at an assigned time and with an assigned coach. Chamber ensembles are formed by students, with some assistance from faculty. In the past, we have had tuba euphonium quartets and brass quintets for the tuba-euphonium area, but students are encouraged to think creatively when it comes to chamber ensembles.
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Merit and need-based aid is available for all prospective students and Vanderbilt consistently ranks in the top 5 of the Princeton Review’s rankings of universities with the “Best Financial Aid.” Moreover, the “Opportunity at Vanderbilt” initiative is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for students without loans. For more information about Financial Aid, please check out this page.
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Teaching Philosophy
“My teaching philosophy is simple: to help students become thoughtful musicians. Music is about communication and ultimately, we are storytellers. Fundamentals are key to an engaging musical message and my goal is to help students refine the skills necessary to become compelling, creative and clear storytellers. In my teaching, there’s a simple equation I like to use in describing the music-making process: idea + action = response. By refining the ideas and actions behind our playing (both on and off the horn), we can be confident that we are actively choosing our musical message.”
- Beth Wiese