Unofficial prep guide · TMEA 2026-27 · Violin
Mazas Op. 36 No. 18 (Romance)
Jacques Fereol Mazas. 75 Melodious and Progressive Studies, Op. 36.
Unofficial prep guide. No affiliation with TMEA. Official materials and errata: tmea.org/orchestra/audition-material/etudes/
What this etude trains
The technique focus.
Lyrical legato bow distribution, left-hand vibrato integrated with phrasing, and singing tone across all positions. This is a tone and expressivity etude as much as a technique study.
About the composer
Mazas (1782-1849) wrote his 75 Etudes, Op. 36 as a melodic alternative to purely technical studies. The Romance designation in his set signals a singing, expressive character modeled on the operatic style of the period.
Errata
Where to find the current-season corrections.
TMEA errata for Mazas etudes typically involve slur and articulation markings that differ from edition to edition. Some editions of Op. 36 use older Richault plates that have inconsistent dynamic markings compared to the Lemoine revision. Verify which edition TMEA specifies, then download the current-season errata from tmea.org/orchestra/audition-material/etudes/ (posted May 1 to May 15, frozen September 1).
Official errata source
TMEA posts errata May 1 to May 15 each year and updates them until the September 1 freeze. Region cuts and excerpts post August 1 at noon Central Time. Area cuts post September 1.
Verify errata on tmea.orgCommon mistakes
Practice traps on this etude.
- 1
Practicing the notes without attention to phrase shape first. The Romance becomes mechanical fast if the bow learns the notes before the ear learns the line.
- 2
Shallow vibrato on long notes. Judges at the all-state level expect a developed, warm vibrato, not a light finger-tremor.
- 3
Uneven bow distribution: spending too much bow early in a phrase and running out on the approach to the peak.
- 4
Position shifts with audible portamento slides that interrupt the legato line.
- 5
Rushing triplet runs that appear inside the broader melody, a common reflex when the left hand speeds up on familiar passage-work.
Panel perspective
What a judge listens for on this etude.
- Tonal consistency and warmth across all four strings.
- Phrase shaping: the arc from opening to climax to resolution should feel inevitable.
- Vibrato quality and integration with the bow.
- Clean, quiet shifts that do not break the legato.
- Dynamic range within the p to f gradient the Romance requires.
Scored takes on this etude
How other students are scoring it.
Record this etude. Get scored free.
Hear what a panel hears before August 1.
Record your take of this etude. The Judge scores it on the same five dimensions a real panel grades: intonation, rhythm, tone, technique, and musicality. Measure-level notes show exactly where your take cost points. Three free takes, no card.
Record this etude and get scored freeCommon questions
What students ask about this etude.
What does Mazas Op. 36 No. 18 (Romance) train?
Lyrical legato bow distribution, left-hand vibrato integrated with phrasing, and singing tone across all positions. This is a tone and expressivity etude as much as a technique study.
Where do I find the official TMEA errata for Mazas Op. 36 No. 18 (Romance)?
The official errata are published by TMEA at tmea.org/orchestra/audition-material/etudes/. Errata post May 1 to May 15 and are updated until the September 1 freeze. Always verify corrections directly on that page before preparing for auditions.
What are the most common mistakes on Mazas Op. 36 No. 18 (Romance)?
Practicing the notes without attention to phrase shape first. The Romance becomes mechanical fast if the bow learns the notes before the ear learns the line. Shallow vibrato on long notes. Judges at the all-state level expect a developed, warm vibrato, not a light finger-tremor.
Is this an official TMEA resource?
No. This is an unofficial prep guide. Orchestra Kingdom has no affiliation with the Texas Music Educators Association. All official materials, errata, and audition requirements come from tmea.org.
Can I use Orchestra Kingdom to score my TMEA etude practice?
Yes. Record your etude and get scored on the five dimensions a real panel grades: intonation, rhythm, tone, technique, and musicality. The Judge gives you measure-level notes on where the take cost you the most. Three free takes, no card required.
When do region excerpts and cuts post for TMEA 2026-27?
Region cuts and excerpts post August 1 at noon Central Time. Area cuts post September 1. Both are published by TMEA on the official audition materials page.
All 2026-27 TMEA etudes
See all eight etude prep guides