Michael D. BlosteinLow Brass Player and Educator |
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Mr. Blostein is one of the most in-demand low brass players in the Albany area. He regularly is heard performing on Tuba, Bass Trombone and Tenor Trombone, as well as doubling on Euphonium. He has performed with the Berkshire Symphony and the Heavy Metal Brass Quintet (Tucson), amongst others; He is currently an active performer with the Dominant Five Brass Quintet (Albany), Georgie Wonders Orchestra, Brass-O-Mania Big Band, Capital Brass (Albany), Old Time Dance Band and Checkered Past. In addition, he is an active freelance musician. Mr. Blostein is an in-demand instructor as well, having taught adult education courses for new music teachers, tuba techniques/methods classes at the collegiate level and private instruction at all levels. His students have found success in many areas, including comfort in their personal ensembles, acceptance into multiple university level programs, and success with more short-term events such as ESYO and All-State ensembles, All-Eastern ensembles, etc... Many of Mr. Blostein's compositions are also focused on low brass. His musical goal is not just to emphasize the instrument's capabilities, but also to encourage improved use of the instrument through various new musical combinations of instrumental timbres. He has multiple etude books and solos available for purchase through various vendors, and his "New Tuba Player's Manual" is used as a college text and has been sited in several doctoral dissertations. |
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Resources for tuba players |
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| Low Brass Presentation Powerpoint (CASDA Conference 10/23/2014) | |
| Handout from Low Brass Presentation (CASDA Conference 10/23/2014) | |
| Traditional Fingering Chart | |
| Fingering Chart indicating pitch tendencies on a basic level (for the early to intermediate player/teacher) | |
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This is an invaluable resource for those who are either switching students to the tuba or euphonium, or who are not tuba players but need an easy to understand reference. Includes switching exercises, seven easy duets geared to those who can already read music, inclusive problem solving chart, pointers to help with instruction, and everything you need to be successful teaching or learning this challenging instrument. I've included odd pages online - if interested in the entire book, please contact me regarding purchasing a copy ($20 + shipping). |
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Designed to help students, switching from another instrument, get moving quickly. |
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| Articulation Duet - Lower Intermediate Level | |
| Lip Slur Duet - Lower Intermediate Level | |
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This is the routine I follow, and have my students follow. A compilation of many different tuba player's methods, not mine original work. In six different levels, designed to correspond to the levels within the NYSSMA system of solos. |
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This is the tuba routine above, but transposed up an octave. |