This course provides training and practical playing experience for chamber music groups. It is designed for capable string and piano players. Students will learn string and piano literature including quartets, trios, sonatas, etc. This ensemble will provide students with an opportunity to develop technical skill, sight-reading ability, and knowledge of the repertory related to the ensemble. It further allows students to synthesize musical, historical and cultural knowledge into meaningful artistic expression. This course is repeatable for credit.
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.
Selected chamber music repertoire is selected by the instructor and students. String literature will be chosen from one of the four major musical periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary. Students will perform the music in a concert or recital. Other topics will include performing with correct bowings, dynamics, articulations, pitch and rhythms as well as maintaining proper balance.