Bobby Rogers is a graduate of Sonoma State University (B.A. in Music Education and Jazz Performance), Sacramento State University (M.A. in Wind Conducting) and Boston University (M.M.Ed. in Music Education). Rogers currently teaches at Woodland Community College. Mr. Rogers was formerly at Pioneer High School for 19 years teaching concert bands, jazz band, string orchestra, AP music theory, film scoring and composing, and instrument repair class.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY In the words of Pablo Casals, “playing an instrument should increase a person’s confidence, not increase their fear.” I try to awaken the student’s own curiosity, enthusiasm, discernment, and artistry. I encourage a love and reverence for the music, respect for one’s own work and a ‘generosity towards’, not ‘fear of’ the audience. We are best able to learn and integrate new ideas in an environment where stress levels are low, but alertness is high. Technique is merely physical coordination and we are at our most coordinated when the body is free from excess tension. Body awareness is a big part of my teaching – releasing unnecessary tension and building our trust & connection

Daily Practice Routine, Professor Rogers 2-3 minutes. Long tones-Listen for a steady tone without wobbles, pitch change, or tone variation. Work on 3-4 notes per day in different registers, striving for a rich, open, round sound. 3-5 minutes. Overtones-Daily practice on this very important and difficult skill is necessary for the development of altissimo or high notes and control of the embouchure and throat. 5-10 minutes. Scales-A very important part of your playing. Major-circle of fifths and chromatically ascending starting on lowest pitch. 3-5 minutes. Tonguing-Having warmed the tongue up with scales, practice an etude or short piece with continuous tonguing. 15-20 min. Etudes.