Course Syllabus
Course: MUSC 2186
Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Music
Title: String Chamber Music II
Semester Approved: Spring 2021
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2026
End Semester: Fall 2026
Catalog Description: 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 course is repeatable for credit.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
Repeatable: Yes.
Prerequisites: By permission of instructor.
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 second year course allows more mature students to work with more sophisticated repertoire. 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:
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, by playing in unison with other players and by periodically looking at the conductor (or principal player) 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.
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:
Through performance, students will be able to interpret music using the proper tone, bowings, dynamics, tempi and articulation of various historical pieces. Due to the performance nature of the course students will be graded on class attendance (30%), daily practice on concert literature (40%), and participation in scheduled performances (30%).
Satisfactory participation in ensemble rehearsals: 30-40% of final grade. 30 to 40%
Satisfactory participation in each ensemble performance: 30- 40% of final grade. 30 to 40%
Daily practice record of assigned literature: 30-40% of final grade. 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, and time periods. Class discussions and rehearsals will discuss said musical styles, their importance, and how to present them in an accurate and understanding manner. 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
