Skip to content

Course Syllabus

MUSC 3186 String Chamber Music III

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
  • Repeatable: Yes.
  • Prerequisites: By permission of instructor and successful completion of MUSC 2186.
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Fall 2022
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2027
  • End Semester: Summer 2028
  • Optimum Class Size: 12
  • Maximum Class Size: 16

Course Description

This course is intended for small chamber ensembles comprised of capable string and piano players. It will include primarily trios, quartets, and sonatas. May be repeated for credit.

Justification

Music majors in general, and performance majors in particular, are required to participate in chamber music performance. These groups allow a focus on individual intonation, articulation, style and expressivity that is not possible with larger ensembles. Chamber ensembles also serve to teach students the literature associated with the genre. This course also allows more mature students to work with sophisticated repertoire. This course will transfer as a performance credit.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of a correct tone and articulation by playing with a proper amount of bow, bow weight, and attack.
  2. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of correct dynamics and balances by playing passages with a variety of loud and soft timbres as indicated in the music, and by adjusting to the style of other players as needed.
  3. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of correct rhythms and following the conductor (or principal player), by playing in unison with other players, and by periodically looking at other players for cues.
  4. Students will demonstrate how to perform in a proper historical style.

Course Content

Concert repertoire will be chosen, rehearsed, and performed from each of the four major musical time periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary. Other topics will include using proper tone, variable dynamics and articulations, accurate intonation and rhythms, overall balance and blend, as well as following the conductor or primary player. Music from a wide and diverse range of composers from various nationalities, races, religions, genders, etc. may be chosen. Class discussions will include approaches to understanding and performing this music with respect to all performers and listeners. All rehearsals will be conducted in a manner designed to promote respect, social awareness, and cooperation between all participants.