Doctor of Musical Arts Dissertations

The pedagogy of Norman Bolter as examined through the Frequency Bone Summer Music Connection

Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

Contemporary Music

First Advisor

Brittany Lasch (Advisor)

Second Advisor

Elaine Colprit (Committee Member)

Third Advisor

William Mathis (Committee Member)

Fourth Advisor

Farida Selim (Committee Member)

Abstract

Norman Bolter is a trombonist and pedagogue with an enormous output that includes recordings, pedagogical materials, and compositions. One large resource is a collection of pedagogical videos on YouTube. The bulk of these videos are from The Frequency Bone Summer Music Connection (FBSMC), consisting of about 100 videos that have been released every summer for over ten years. This document explains the unique pedagogy taught in Bolter’s FBSMC videos. Central to this pedagogy is the Overlay System, a system of learning which integrates technical mastery of the instrument with developing a deeper musicality. In addition to technical areas of playing trombone, the Overlay System delves into ways of developing greater variety and creativity in one’s playing. It also provides a way to develop artistry by instilling feelings and emotion into music, which is perhaps one of the most difficult concepts to teach. The Overlay System and other principles from the FBSMC videos show how Bolter is able to teach a healthy balance and interaction between technique and musicality. Bolter’s approach to preparing musicians for the professional field is discussed and how it interacts with other approaches. Interviews with Bolter and some of his former students also inform this document. These interviews are used to examine Bolter’s teaching approach and show his influence on the next generation of musicians.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS