The study of chamber music at DePauw University provides students with a well-rounded musical education designed to create confident, successful, knowledgeable and supportive performing artists. Students are provided with weekly coaching where they will be engaged in diverse musical learning experiences such as ensemble technique, intonation foundations, and the exploration of diverse repertoire. In keeping with the school of music learning goals, students will:
Develop artistic excellence, creativity, and critical thinking skills as the foundation for all they do.
Engage audiences, with special attention to access, inclusivity and awareness.
Act as socially minded entrepreneurial musicians by inventing, developing and managing projects for community impact.
Recognize and champion diversity of all kinds and work ceaselessly to improve inclusivity in all that they do.
Leverage technology in the creation and dissemination of music.
Class Objectives: to develop chamber music skills, including rehearsal techniques, musical interpretation and independence. Students will be involved in the rehearsal, coaching, and performance of diverse chamber music ensembles as assigned. Instruction will include, but is not limited to:
Ensemble Skills
Cueing & Intonation in context
Intonation within intervals
The danger of the tuner
Leadership within the ensemble
Chamber & orchestral rep readings
What is phrasing? How to play a line.
Technique & Practice within the ensemble
Breath & support
Vibrato
Long Tones
Practice strategies
Ensemble Articulation
Ensemble strategies for independent practice
Partner teaching/pedagogy feedback
Performance Experiences
Planning an ensemble performance
Technology Skills
Recording techniques
Grading: is based on preparation of assigned parts, attendance, cooperative work and application of chamber music skills in rehearsals and coachings as well as the demonstration of technique and musicality in performance.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will learn the art of chamber music performance through weekly one-hour direct coaching sessions with the instructor.
Students will develop skills in rhythmic accuracy, intonation, balance, dynamics, and phrasing.
Students will rehearse and perform chamber music from a wide variety of composers and periods.
Students will collaborate in making decisions regarding musical phrasing, dynamics, articulations, and other expressive dimensions.
Students will explore aspects of musical performance that distinguish chamber music from large group experiences
Required Textbooks and Other Course Materials and Expectations:
Bring your instrument and all necessary accessories (reeds, pencil, tuner, etc.)
Sheet music as discussed with the instructor.
Handouts for discussion provided by the instructor.
Please be on time!