The article my professor, Dr. Zach Collins, recommend to me, was written by my professor about the successful career one his professors during his graduate work at University of Southern California, Dr. Jim Self. His first musical experience was watching his dad jamming on the piano with an African-American household. Later, his dad gave him a Gibson ES 175 electric guitar when he was nine, and continued to use it through college, as well as using it during his composing process. He started playing tuba in eighth grade, and eventually went on to play in district, region, and all state bands. Self, then attended Indiana State College, now know as Indiana University of Pennsylvania, studying with William Becker, a trumpet player. His lessons with Becker focused on the basics: tone, rhythm, phrasing, musicality, musicianship, and professionalism. While second guessing his time at IUP, Self was very fortunate to be a part of numerous ensembles at the university including: the wind ensemble, brass choir, marching band, IUP big band (guitar). College choir, Men's vocal ensemble, and was on stage in the spring musicals. Just before graduating, Self landed a position in the U.S Army Concert Band. While with the Army band, he learned a crucial skill to musicians, known as sight reading music. Dr. Self also discovered that he want to continue his studies of the tuba. This eventually led to him finding Harvey Phillips, a freelancing musician in New York. With Phillips, Self learned more about tuba solo literature and obtained more playing gigs. After leaving the Army Band and a short stint as an elementary band teacher, he became a professor of Tuba at the University of Tennessee. In 1979, Self began his doctoral degree at the University of Southern California, a degree in which finished in 1976, after his recital. His tuba playing is most recognizable on such movies as Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Home Alone.
After reading this article, I found the article to be subjective despite the fact that Dr. Collins wrote this article about his professor. Dr. Collins sites 30 different sources in this article, to what his teachers said about his study habits, to what his peers thought about his work ethic. This article, in full detail, describes what one man who started his life with both of his parents dying, to become a world-class, studio musician. I believe that this is relevant to me because in the world of musical performers, most people usually only hear of the failures that people endure in pursuing a career. It is a very secure feeling to know that if you work hard and can put yourself out there, dreams do come true.
Zach Collins. "Jim Self: A Fortunate Musician"
ITEA ( International Tuba Euphonium Association) Volume 36 (Spring 2009)
print and online journal
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