Our Instrumental Program includes Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Classical and Jazz Chamber Groups. The Instrumental Program is led by Dr. Robert Bott (281.290.5293 | Robert.Bott@lonestar.edu). Some of the region’s best players and teachers also teach for the program. (Faculty List)
Private Instrumental Lessons (MUAP)
Private weekly instrumental lessons are also available exclusively to students enrolled in music courses or performing in music ensembles. To enroll in private instrumental lessons, speak to Dr. Bott.
Instrumental Music Ensembles (MUEN)
Courses are 1 credit each. Not all ensembles are offered every semester.
Our student instrumentalists perform major classical works for band, orchestra, and jazz ensembles, often featuring acclaimed guest artists.
Symphony Orchestra
- Register for Course # MUEN 1123
- The study and performance of music compositions for full symphony orchestra
- Especially recommended for orchestral string players
Jazz Ensemble
- Register for Course # MUEN 1127
- The study and performance of big band jazz, including Swing, Latin, Rock and other jazz styles
- Recommended for flutists, saxophonists, clarinetists, trumpeters, trombonists, pianists, drummers, guitarists, and upright bassists.
String Ensemble
- Register for Course # MUEN 1131
- The study and performances of music compositions for small string groups.
- Recommended for violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists.
Guitar Ensemble
- Register for Course # MUEN 1133
- The study and performances of music literature from a variety of genres.
- Recommended for guitarists and bassists.
Symphonic Band
- Register for Course # MUEN 2124
- The study of a wide variety of literature for wind and percussion instruments
- Recommended for all woodwind, brass, and percussionists
Jazz Combo
- Register for Course # MUEN 2135
- A study of the techniques of solo jazz improvisation and small combo literature.
- Recommended for all instrumentalists with prior performance experience
Music (MUSI) Courses Recommended for Instrumentalists
Not all classes are offered every semester.
Class Piano I-IV (1 credit)
- Register for Course # MUSI 1181 (Class Piano I), MUSI 1182 (Class Piano II), MUSI 1281 (Class Piano III), or MUSI 1282 (Class Piano IV)
- Beginning keyboard instruction for the general music major as well as the nonmusic major who wishes to learn piano
- Recommended for all instrumentalists; required of all music majors
Class Guitar I & II (1 credit)
- Register for Course # MUSI 1192 (Class Guitar I) or MUSI 1193 (Class Guitar II)
- Beginning guitar instruction for the general music major as well as the non-music major who wishes to learn guitar
- Recommended for beginning guitarists
Theory I-IV (2 credits)
- Register for Course # MUSI 1211 (Theory I), MUSI 1212 (Theory II), MUSI 1211 (Theory III), or MUSI 2212 (Theory IV)
- Study of harmony and analysis of diatonic and chromatic music, as well as an exploration of compositional techniques of Twentieth Century composers
- Recommended for composers and serious musicians; required of all music majors
Ear Training & Sight Singing I-IV (2 credits)
- Register for Course # MUSI 1216 (Ear Training & Sight Singing I), MUSI 1217 (II), MUSI 2216 (III), and MUSI 2217 (IV)
- An aural study of rhythm, melody, and harmony, and experience in singing at sight in multiple clefs, all beginning with simple music and progressing into more challenging tonal and modal music
- Recommended for serious musicians; required of all music majors
Music Fundamentals (3 credits)
- Register for Course # MUSI 1301
- A course for developing basic music skills with emphasis on music reading and elementary music theory
- Recommended for non-majors who wish to learn to read music and students preparing to teach elementary school