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Course Syllabus

MUSC 4186 String Chamber Music IV

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 2; Lab: 0
  • Repeatable: Yes.
  • Prerequisites: MUSC 3186 or permission of instructor. Audition required.
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2025
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2029
  • End Semester: Fall 2030
  • Optimum Class Size: 12
  • Maximum Class Size: 16

Course 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 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.

Justification

Music majors in the instrumental performance track 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. Similar ensemble courses exist in all accredited music programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to correctly perform various pieces using proper musical style.
  2. Students will be able to perform in a small chamber ensemble that demonstrates a proper balance between players.
  3. Students will demonstrate proper tone production techniques.
  4. Students will demonstrate rhythmic accuracy as well as proper tempi of chosen literature.
  5. Students will demonstrate the necessary technical command of their instruments including bowings, dynamics, and articulations.

Course Content

This course will draw on the following activities, skill areas, and fields of knowledge:Study and mastery of chamber music repertoire 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.