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Course Syllabus

MUSC 1186 String Chamber Music

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
  • Repeatable: Yes.
  • Prerequisites: Approval of instructor or Director of Orchestras required
  • 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 music 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 and expressivity that is not possible in larger ensembles. Chamber ensembles also serve to teach music students the literature associated with this genre. This course will transfer as a performance credit. This course is most like MUSC 4430, Chamber Music, at the University of Utah.

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.

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 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.