The Music of William R. Higgins

Instrumental Methods
Studies in Musical Expression
for
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon

This is a four volume set of etudes based on the theory of musical expression called NoteGrouping developed by Dr. James Morgan Thurmond and published in his textbook A Method for Achieving Expression and Style in Musical Performance, published by Meredith Music Publications.

This set of three etude books contains 24 studies in each volume. The etudes are presented on facing pages with the left-hand page containing the etude in NoteGrouping style and the right-hand page showing the same etude in standard notation.Each volume begins with an introduction to NoteGrouping style and how it is achieved.

 Volume 1

  Studies in Musical Expression from the works of Verroust

 Volume 2

  Studies in Musical Expression from the works of Barret

 Volume 3

  Studies in Musical Expression from the works of Ferling

 Volume 4

  72 Studies in Musical Expression all volumes combined

Altissimo Studies for Clarinet
by
Thomas J. Filas
arranged for clarinet by
William R. Higgins

These 90 very short melodious studies, originally written for flute and published by Carl Fischer, are presented in a transposed version to develop the clarinetist's altissimo register. The etudes begin with altissimo Ds and Es and progresses to high Abs and As. Because each etude is only three lines in length and they are so melodic, it is an encouraging way to develop this necessary register for the advanced clarinetist. Currently available from Carl Fischer (ISBN 0-8258-5996-4).

The Tenor Clef
An Introduction
and
Progressive Studies
by
William R. Higgins

The Practical Method for Bassoon by Julius Weissenborn is the primary method book for beginning bassonists.  Unfortunately, Weissenborn presents 25 lessons in the bass clef followed by a single page introduction to the tenor clef with no material to learn or practice the new clef.  Dr. Higgins has rewritten the first 15 lessons of the Weissenborn in the tenor clef and an octave higher.  This places the tenor clef lessons in the range that is most commonly used. Repeating the first 15 lessons in the tenor clef uses familiar material that moves at a beginners pace since learning a new clef is a beginning process.  The 24 Verroust studies were added for continued practice in the tenor clef and in changing between the bass and tenor clefs. Available from: www.ForrestsMusic.com

Crossing the Break
from Beginner to Intermediate
Clarinetist
by
William R. Higgins

This is a 12 page methods booklet to help clarinet students master the break between the chalumeau and clarion registers.  It requires 4 to 6 weeks of study with a return to the standard lesson book after the students have had success in crossing the break.  The approach is: (1) set left-hand and right-hand positions; (2) slur above the break and move stepwise above the break; (3) Slur above the break and then move down across the break; (4) Move up across the break; and (5) melodies that cross the break.

Writing Computer-Based Instruction with HyperStudio
by
William R. Higgins

Writing Computer-based Instruction with HyperStudio was written for technology teacher education classes in which a limited amount of time is devoted to this topic and only the essential elements of HyperStudio authoring are desired. The goal of the text is to prepare teachers to write fundamental beginning level stacks for use in their classrooms. The text is published by Primis Custom Publishing of McGraw-Hill, Inc. (ISBN 0-07-229444-2).

Methods and Materials for Teaching Instrumental Music

This 260 page college Instrumental Methods textbook contains 25 chapters covering the techniques for teaching each individual instrument of the band and orchestra. The text includes chapters on: (1) the philosophy of music education, (2) the psychology of music education, (3) rhythm, (4) musicianship, (5) rehearsal management, (6) lesson planning, and (7) private lessons. The six appendicies include: (1) a selected bibliography, (2) instrument instruction books, (3) guides to solo and ensemble literature, (4) forms for instrumental music administration, (5) concept sheets, and (6) emergency instrument repairs.