Students will develop technical facility and musicianship as violists through the study of technical etudes (including scale studies) and repertoire from the Baroque through contemporary periods.
Students will gain experience as performers through participation in weekly lessons, studio class, studio recitals, string seminar, and jury performances.
Students will engage in experiential learning through practice, student-centered teaching activities, performance, and critical listening and writing assignments.
*Original (not photocopied) music as assigned by instructor. You may borrow music from the library, myself, or other students on a TEMPORARY basis but you must purchase your own, original (not photocopied) score/parts within two weeks of the piece being assigned.
*Practice Journal – available from instructor.
3. Practice requirements: Majors are to practice at least one hour per day per credit hour registered for. Non-majors are expected to practice at least 30 minutes per day per credit hour registered.
Please note: these are MINIMUM expectations; the quality of your playing will be in direct proportion to your preparation.
5. MAJORS: Attendance at and participation in String Seminar (music majors only; non-majors are strongly encouraged to participate as well). All string majors are required to perform at least twice per semester at String Seminar (Wednesdays, 1 PM, Graham Chamber Music Room). I am further requiring that my students perform with piano (if piece has piano accompaniment), and the performances will be graded by me. 10% of grade.
6. NON-MAJORS TAKING A 2 CREDIT (50 minute) LESSON are REQUIRED to attend Viola Studio Class on Mondays at 1:00 unless excused by the instructor. 10% of grade.
7. ALL STUDENTS: Jury. This is your final examination for the course. Piece must be performed with piano (if piece has piano accompaniment), and your performance will be graded by the jury. 20% of grade.
String majors must consult their studio teachers before accepting requests for their playing services outside of your normal classes (NISO and chamber music ensemble). This includes rehearsals and performances for any organization or event, whether paid or unpaid, university sponsored or not. Some examples would include: Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony (as well as other area orchestras), Metropolitan Chorale, concerts by other School of Music ensembles (e.g. Wind Symphony, Concert Chorale, Jazz I & II), student recitals, and off-campus events such as recording sessions, weddings, memorial services, and the like. Our interest is to help the students preserve the priority of curricular (i.e., applied study and ensemble) obligations while taking advantage of—and conscientiously managing—the many performing opportunities that present themselves each semester.
Please note: My view of my role as your teacher is perhaps different from that to which you may be accustomed; my job is to be your guide, to allow you to become your own teacher during the many hours per week that you will spend with your instrument alone and in various ensemble settings. The private lesson setting is an opportunity for me to provide you with guidance and instruction, and for you to ask questions and to be an inquisitive, active party in the learning process. This requires a commitment on your part to practice consistently and effectively, to listen to as many recordings as possible, to put yourself out there and perform as much as possible and practical, and to take advantage of the many opportunities to hear fine performances by students, faculty and guest artists both on and off campus. The private lesson is NOT YOUR PRACTICE TIME. The amount of effort you put into your practice and preparation for lessons will directly affect how much you are able to learn in your lessons. Please arrive warmed up and ready to play; if you have a class the hour before your lesson, make sure you get a chance to warm up before class at least.
1. Any student viola solo recital.
2. Any faculty or guest artist viola solo recital.
3. All Faculty String Quartet performances on campus.
All string student solo and chamber music recitals.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) provides protection from illegal discrimination for qualified individuals with disabilities. Students requesting instructional accommodations due to disabilities must arrange for such accommodation through Student Disability Services (SDS). SDS is located at 213 Student Services Center, and the phone number is 273-2676.