Music 222-String Techniques

INSTRUCTOR: Paula Zimmerman
OFFICE: Mauney Music Building Room 225

TEXT: Robert Klatman - Teaching Strings

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Study of string instruments including string techniques, pedagogical approaches and Suzuki philosophy in teaching young children to prepare students to teach public school classes. Two credits. (Spring-every two years)

COURSE OBJECTIVES/COMPETENCIES
Objectives - Upon completion of Music 222, the student will be able to:

• Develop a basic proficiency for holding the instrument properly for violin, viola, cello, and bass.
• Basic proficiency in correct placement of left hand fingers and knowledge of location of notes and positions for violin, viola, cello and bass.
• Proficiency in proper bow hold and right arm bowing technique for violin, viola, cello and bass.
• Skills needed to produce bowing techniques of slurs, detache, staccato, slurred staccato, martele, spiccato, tremolo, hooked bowing, portato, sul ponticello, col legno, sul tasto, pizzacato, colle, scordatura tuning.
• Ability to begin a student correctly on each of the four string instruments.
• Understanding of Suzuki philosophy and beginning pedagogical approach.
• Maintenance for string instruments
• Correct sizing of instruments for students
• Experience in playing "chamber music"
• Beginning vibrato and shifting

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Class participation contributes a significant portion of the final evaluation thus regular attendance at all class meetings is expected. Unexcused absences may result in the lowering of the final grade. All students will be expected to practice outside of class time in order to be well prepared. A paper explaining the philosophy and teaching methods of Dr. Suzuki drawn from the book Nurtured by Love: Suzuki, will be expected by mid-semester. This book is on three-day reserve in the library.

COURSE EVALUATION
A written exam will be ,given at the end of the semester as well as periodic playing examinations in which students will play excerpts from the presented materials. Points
of consideration will be intonation, left hand position, bow grip tone, and similar aspects of performance on each instrument. Students will be required to demonstrate teaching skills in various forms in front of the class for  which they will be evaluated and graded. In addition, extra credit will be given for attendance at Western Piedmont i Symphony concerts, Quartet concerts or other concerts featuring : string soloists.

POSSIBLE CLASS ARRANGEMENTS
May be changed according to composition of class enrollments.
January - March (Spring Break) - Introduction to one of the string instruments, study and practice on this instrument to develop basic proficiency and knowledge. Basic bow strokes and vocabulary.

Paper due March - April .

• Discussion of Suzuki philosophy and approach
• Experience on remaining three string instruments
• Experience in teaching a class and individual
• Video of accomplished performer
• Approach to string program in public schools
• Maintenance of string instruments and purchase of equipment
• Demonstration by 3 year old violin student and approach taken
  in beginning lessons and introduction of note reading.