Faculty Profile for Raul I Rodriguez

Biography Section

Biography and Education

Raúl I. Rodríguez is Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Texas State University. In addition to teaching applied music he also directs the Texas State Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, which has gained national prominence with their commitment to showcasing contemporary literature and standard transcriptions as well as world premier compositions in performances at regional, national and international conferences throughout the US. He has been recognized for his achievements by being named a finalist in the Presidential Award in Scholarly/Creative Activities and the Presidential Award in Teaching. In 2005, he was initiated into Sigma Alpha Iota as a National Arts Associate. Prior teaching responsibilities include music theory (1995-2001) and serving as Assistant Director of Athletic Bands (1995-2007).

Recently, Professor Rodríguez made a significant contribution to the low brass studies repertoire by having his etude book, Low Blows for Tuba, published by Blaquhidder Music in April 2015.

As an active musician with over 30 years experience, he has performed in various parts of the United States, Mexico, Ireland and Sweden. He is currently principal tuba with the Festival Orchestra of Breckenridge Music in Colorado and with the Victoria Bach Festival in Texas and has also performed with the symphony orchestras of Austin, Ft. Worth, Garland/Las Colinas, San Antonio, Santa Fe (NM), Waco and the Orquesta Sinfónica Xalapa. As a chamber musician he has performed with the Bluebonnet Brass, Breckenridge Brass, Capitol of Texas Brass, Pinnacle Brass, Reunion Brass, SouthWest BrassWorks, and the TubaTzars Jazz combo.

He still continues his involvement in youth education by dedicating time to presenting clinics and master classes in the public schools and as an active member of the International Tuba Euphonium Association he was appointed in 2013 to serve on the Board of Directors as Chapters Coordinator.

In the summer of 2002, Mr. Rodríguez was appointed principal tuba of the Texas Philharmonic to record the soundtrack for the musical score Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams.

Professor Rodríguez received his musical training at the University of North Texas earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Master of Music in Tuba Performance.

Teaching Interests

Applied Music
Chamber Music
Band and Orchestra

Research Interests

Composition of Brass Fundamental Studies
Musician's Injuries focusing on Embouchure Dystonia
Psychology of Music Performance
Mindfulness and Meditation in the Music Studio