Techniques of String Performance

MUS 255D, Unique #21500

Spring 2016

Lani Hamilton Office: MRH 2.312

LaniHamilton@utexas.edu Office Hour: Fri 9-10
& By appointment

Introduction
This course will focus on the fundamental principles of playing and teaching string
instruments effectively. As accomplished instrumentalists and vocalists, you already
recognize the tenets of fine musicianship, including expressivity, beautiful tone, precise
intonation, and healthy posture. This semester, you will be asked to apply these same
principles to a novel string instrument and to teach these principles to your peers. The
ultimate goal of the course is that you will acquire the basic skills needed to teach in a
classroom with string instruments, the ability to recognize your own strengths and
weaknesses as a string player and teacher, and the motivation and resources to continue to
improve as you move into your own classrooms.

The workflow for this class is likely paced very differently from other classes you have
taken. Instead of being organized around a few high-magnitude tests, this class comprises
frequent, concise assignments designed to contribute to the continuous, semester-long
goals of learning to play and teach string instruments. Being successful will require you to
devote some time for class nearly every day. If you arrange your semester schedule with
this in mind, you will find that your daily work will improve your thinking, listening, and
physical skills and will advance your competence and confidence as both a teacher and
learner.

Objectives
By the end of the semester, you will be able to do the following in a limited context:
1. Demonstrate functional performance skills on a string instrument
2. Diagnose and remediate common technical problems for string players
3. Analyze technical skills needed for accomplished performance, and devise
strategies to develop skills in students’ playing and your own playing
4. Articulate the differences among the four orchestral string instruments and plan
ways to accommodate each instrument in the heterogeneous classroom
5. Write short musical excerpts that aid in learning a string instrument
6. Make adjustments in repertoire to accommodate heterogeneous levels within a
single classroom
7. Identify strengths in and draw comparisons among commonly used string
method books, and among printed and online resources
Texts and Materials

Texts Dick, W. J., & Scott, L. P. (2004). Mastery for Strings: A Longitudinal Sequence
of Instruction for School Orchestras, Studio Lessons, and College Method Classes.
Austin, TX: Mastery for Strings Press.

Crock, W., Dick, W., & Scott, L. (2010). Learning Together: Sequential
Repertoire for Solo Strings or String Ensemble. Miami, FL: Summy-Birchard,
Inc.

Note: Learning Together is available for violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano
accompaniment. You will need the book that corresponds to the instrument
you play in this class. The piano accompaniment book is optional.

Materials Instrument, bow, case

Rosin (be sure to get the correct type for your instrument)
Shoulder rest or sponge (violin, viola)
Rock stop (cello, bass)
Stool (bass)
Soft cloth for wiping rosin off the instrument
Tuner
Extra string (only if you break one!!)
Laptop/Device with camera (or borrow camera from materials center)

Assignments
Assignments should be posted to canvas by class time on the day they are listed on the
calendar. Please read the instructions on submitting videos and written documents before
submitting your assignments on canvas.

1. Feedback Videos #1-12

Make a 1-minute video recording of yourself playing the assigned excerpt or
demonstrating the assigned skill from memory. Briefly state your goals
before your performance, incorporating feedback you have received on
previous videos. Immediately following your performance, briefly state what
you saw and heard while you were playing. Watch your video at least twice
and write one or two sentences about what you observed in the comments
section. Only submit videos in which you consistently demonstrate the skills
listed on the mastery checklist. Once you upload your video, you will be
assigned to watch a peer’s video and write a comment about what you
observe.

2. Diagnostic Tests #1-8

After viewing videos of string students and ensembles, you will be asked to
write about technical and musical issues you perceive in their playing and
create plans for improvement. Videos and templates for your responses will
be posted on canvas.
3. Part Writing #1 & 2
For part 1, compose a four-measure solo for your instrument that
supplements “Hoedown,” a popular piece for beginning string orchestra. In
this solo, you will address a specific skill and provide opportunities for
repetition of that skill within a musically satisfying context. Compose the part
so that you can perform it with excellent intonation, beautiful tone, healthy
posture, and expressive musicianship. Submit both a written copy of your
solo and a video of yourself performing it. You will perform your solo from
memory at the final concert, with the class playing the accompaniment.

For part 2, simplify an advanced orchestra part for your instrument so that
you can perform it with excellent intonation, beautiful tone, healthy posture,
and expressive musicianship. Submit both a written copy of your part and a
video of yourself performing it.

4. Method Book Review

You will make observations about several commonly used method books that
we will be using in class. A template for your responses will be available on
canvas.

5. Go Find It #1-6
In these assignments, you will answer questions about fundamental concepts
and common challenges in string education. These assignments provide
opportunities to practice finding information needed to teach string students,
and to familiarize you with commonly used resources.

6. Chamber Music Masterclasses & Performance

You will be placed into small chamber ensembles, and asked to select a piece
that allows your ensemble to consistently demonstrate the skills listed on the
mastery checklist. You will perform this piece twice during the chamber
music masterclasses, and again at the final concert. Please be sure you
schedule adequate rehearsal time so your ensemble is prepared for both
masterclasses and the final performance.

7. Peer Teaching
During class you will teach and learn in mini-lessons with a peer who plays a
string instrument unlike the one you are playing (floor/shoulder). During
these short lessons, you will give your partner your instrument and teach
him or her a skill you have already learned on your instrument. Then, your
partner will give you his or her instrument and you will have the opportunity
to learn a skill on that instrument. Peer teaching will occur frequently
throughout the semester, and by the end of the semester you will have ample
opportunities to try all four instruments.

8. Ensemble Feedback
 Throughout the semester, you will practice giving feedback to the class
orchestra ensemble by stating what you see and hear.

9. Final Concert
May 6 at 8:15am. This concert will include your solo to “Hoedown” and your
chamber music performance. The class will also play several beginning
orchestra pieces together as an ensemble.

10. Independent Artistry Project (Optional)

This project is somewhat unusual in that you will decide if you will complete
it. Only students who meet all the criteria for a B are eligible to submit an
Independent Artistry Project. To qualify for the grade of A, the project must
represent your very best work as a musician on your string instrument.
Whether the project you submit will satisfy the expectations for an A
depends entirely on my perception of the quality of your work.

Select an appropriate solo for your string instrument that is both interesting
to perform and accomplishable in the time you have during the semester.
Excellent intonation, beautiful tone, healthy posture, and expressive
musicianship are expected, so be sure to select a piece that allows you to
consistently demonstrate these skills. Use the skills you have learned in class
to choose an appropriate piece and obtain the sheet music (with piano
accompaniment) without my help.

Learn this piece, and ask a friend to learn the piano accompaniment. Be sure
you consistently demonstrate the skills listed on the mastery checklist. Make
a recording of yourself performing your piece for a few friends, and submit
the video to canvas by 5:00 pm May 11th.

Grading
All assignments must be completed with competence and accuracy by class time on the
printed due date to receive credit. Assignments will be graded for exceptional competence
or understanding (√+), competence or understanding (√), or minimal competence or
understanding (√-). You should retain copies of all assignments you submit.

No grade of incomplete will be given for any reason.

A: Satisfy criteria for B plus independent artistry project.

B: All course assignments completed on time with demonstrated competence and

understanding. Student consistently demonstrates mastery guidelines in class
rehearsals.

C: All course assignments completed with demonstrated competence and

understanding. Student inconsistently demonstrates mastery guidelines in class
rehearsals.
 D: One or more course assignments not completed and/or student inconsistently
demonstrates mastery guidelines in class rehearsals.

F: One or more course assignments not completed and/or student inconsistently

demonstrates mastery guidelines in class rehearsals with excessive absences
and/or tardiness (more than 3).

Attendance
Though this is an early class, consistent and punctual attendance is expected. During class
you will have many opportunities to receive feedback from your peers and me, and
moments to practice giving feedback to other string players. Participation in class activities
is absolutely essential to completing assignments successfully. Commit to consistent and
punctual attendance if you choose to take this course.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Statement

The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic
accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the
Office of the Dean of Students at 512-471-6259, 512-471-4641 TTY or on the web at
http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/ssd/
 Calendar
Jan 20 Jan 22
Due: Diagnostic Test 1
Observation Activity
Bow Holds Beginning Set-up
Syllabus
Instrument Info
Jan 25 Jan 27 Jan 29
Due: Feedback Video 1 Due: Diagnostic Test 2
Early Bowing Patterns
Tuning Fingerboard Geography Intro

Feb 1 Feb 3 Feb 5

Due: Feedback Video 2 Due: Go Find It 1: FB Geo Due: Diagnostic Test 3

Peer Teaching Fingerboard Geography

Feb 8 Feb 10 Feb 12

Due: Feedback Video 3
No Class
Peer Teaching Harmonics Intro (octave) TMEA

Feb 15 Feb 17 Feb 19

Due: Feedback Video 4 Due: Go Find It 2: Sizing Due: Diagnostic Test 4

Intermediate Bowing Patterns Sizing Suzuki & Eclectic Styles with

Method Books Dr. Scott

Feb 22 Feb 24 Feb 26

Due: Feedback Video 5 Due: Diagnostic Test 5

Peer Teaching Harp with Prof Fedson Leonard

Feb 29 Mar 2 Mar 4

Due: Feedback Video 6 Due: Method Bk Review

Peer Teaching Guitar with Travis Marcum Guitar with Travis Marcum

Mar 7 Mar 9 Mar 11

Due: Feedback Video 7
Peer Teaching
Due: Go Find It 3:
Orchestra Word Problem
Solo Repertoire
Extended Fingerboard
Geography (extensions),
Extended Harmonics
Mar 14 Mar 16 Mar 18

No Class No Class No Class

Spring Break Spring Break Spring Break

Mar 21 Mar 23 Mar 25

Due: Part Writing 1 Due: Go Find It 4: Due: Diagnostic Test 6
Rough Draft Harmonics
Beginning Orchestra
Repertoire Alternative Tuning Options

Mar 28 Mar 30 Apr 1

Due: Feedback Video 8 Due: Diagnostic Test 7
Advanced Bowing Patterns
Vibrato Introduction

Apr 4 Apr 6 Apr 8

Due: Part Writing 1 Due: Go Find It 5: Vibrato Due: Diagnostic Test 8
Final Draft & Video
Chamber Music Repertoire Vibrato

Apr 11 Apr 13 Apr 15

Due: Feedback Video 9 Chamber Music Masterclass Chamber Music Masterclass

Intermediate & Advanced

Orchestra Repertoire

Apr 18 Apr 20 Apr 22

Due: Feedback Video 10 Due: Go Find It 6: Due: Part Writing 2 &
Advanced Bowing Video
Shifting Logic

Apr 25 Apr 27 Apr 29

Due: Feedback Video 11 Chamber Music Masterclass Chamber Music Masterclass

May 2 May 4 May 6

Due: Feedback Video 12 Final Concert Dress Final Concert
Rehearsal

May 11: Independent Scholarship Due (optional)