Course Syllabus

Course: MUSC 3186

Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Music
Title: String Chamber Music III

Semester Approved: Fall 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2027
End Semester: Summer 2028

Catalog 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.

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
Repeatable: Yes.


Prerequisites: By permission of instructor and successful completion of MUSC 2186.

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:
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.  Each of these musical elements will be assessed by the instructor during in-class rehearsals and public performances. Students will also maintain a daily practice record to be turned in at the end of the semester.

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.  Each of these musical elements will be assessed by the instructor during in-class rehearsals and public performances. Students will also maintain a daily practice record to be turned in at the end of the semester.

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.  Each of these musical elements will be assessed by the instructor during in-class rehearsals and public performances. Students will also maintain a daily practice record to be turned in at the end of the semester.

Students will demonstrate how to perform in a proper historical style.  Each of these musical elements will be assessed by the instructor during in-class rehearsals and public performances. Students will also be expected to participate in class discussions and demonstrations that deal with historical performing practices.


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.

Key Performance Indicators:
Each student will be evaluated on the following:

Satisfactory participation in each rehearsal.  30 to 40%

Satisfactory participation in each performance. 30 to 40%

Daily practice record of assigned literature. 30 to 40%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Music assigned by instructor.


Pedagogy Statement:
Music literature will be chosen from a variety of sources and styles, including nations, ethnic groups, time periods, genders, etc.. Class discussions during rehearsals will address said musical styles, their importance, and how to perform them in an accurate and understanding manner. Musical topics that relate to diversity and inclusion in a string ensemble setting will be discussed in a safe and understanding environment. All students in the ensemble will be treated with respect and in an equitable way.

Instructional Mediums:
Lab

Maximum Class Size: 16
Optimum Class Size: 12