MUS 399/499: Viola Performance
OBJECTIVE
The goal of private instruction on the viola is to improve technical and musical skills on the instrument, to become acquainted with viola repertoire, and to prepare for performance. The materials to accomplish this may be drawn from the study of scales, etudes, solo works, orchestral excerpts, and improvisational activities, as appropriate for the level of the student.
ATTENDANCE
If a lesson must be canceled by the instructor, a makeup lesson will be arranged. If you are going to be absent for a lesson, notice should be given at least 24 hours before the lesson. Please get in the habit of at least sending a message should you have to miss a lesson. If you are absent for a lesson and do not provide notice of your absence prior to the lesson, the lesson will not be made up.
PRACTICE
Playing the viola involves the gradual acquisition of skills that need to be maintained. The amount one must practice is individual and varies greatly, since the purpose of practice is to accomplish a particular musical goal (such as learning the notes in a passage) or solve a particular problem. A good rule of thumb is to practice daily (you will see more favorable results if your practice is consistent), and to make the length of that practice at least half as long as the credit you receive for your lesson:
- 30 minutes daily for one credit
- One hour daily for two credits
- Two hours daily for four credits
PRACTICE NOTEBOOK
It is recommended that you maintain a practice notebook. Make it as detailed as possible, writing pertinent information such as
- Assignments and notes from your lesson
- List of specific pieces or exercises you need to practice
- Amount of time you plan on spending or have spent on a particular item
- Questions you might have for your next lesson
MUSIC
Hopefully you are gradually establishing your own music library. Sometimes the main library will have a piece of music you are working on. On very rare occasions an instructor will lend personal music depending on the situation, such as a short term period during which you are waiting for your music to arrive from mail order or from an order at a music store. Instructors will not photocopy music since this practice is illegal. Students are allowed to photocopy music to be used for a performance should it be necessary because of page turning problems only if the original copy is also available on the music stand. Please make arrangements to obtain your own music.
PERFORMANCE
- Master class:
Viola students are invited to join the string master class on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm (music majors are required to attend and perform in these master classes).
- Friday-at-One:
With the exception of first semester students, music majors taking viola lessons for two or more credits will also perform on one Friday-at-One recital each semester.
- Strings Night:
Music majors taking viola lessons for two or more credits will perform on Strings Night at the end of the semester. Non-majors will be invited to perform.
- Jury:
Viola students taking two or more credits will perform a jury at the end of the semester.
CHAMBER MUSIC
All viola students who are music majors are required to enroll in a MUS 390 chamber ensemble. Chamber music is a vital aid in learning how to perform.
LISTENING LOG
Music majors studying viola must write a listening log each semester, on music prominently featuring the viola (or other string instruments) in solo, chamber music, and orchestral repertoire. The general guidelines for this assignment can be found by clicking on the link above.
GRADING
Due to the highly individualized nature of instrumental lessons, grading is not as easily determined as in most other classes. Factors that are considered in determining the final grade are
- Attendance at lessons
- Attendance at master classes for music majors
- Individual preparation as evidenced by consistent improvement and expanded repertoire
- Final jury (for two or more credits)
- Solo recital (if presented)
- Participation in performance opportunities
- Listening log
GRADING SCALE
- A: truly exceptional; beyond normal expectations
- B: good work; definitely above average
- C: average progress and achievement
- D: below average work; poor preparation
- F: no credit; less than minimal requirements
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The study of musical performance is a unique pursuit. It is regularly presented in a one-on-one situation, and progress is measured not with testing but by steadily increasing abilities. Unlike other studies, performance studies never really end, and the development of good life-long practice habits are essential to growth. It is important to understand that the instructor cannot teach you to become a better performer. That is your responsibility. The instructor's role is to provide advice, illustration, and criticism that will allow you to find ways to improve. Please reflect on how your personal traits of artistic commitment, preparation, attendance, punctuality, self-criticism, and cooperation with your instructor will affect your own growth.
HONOR PLEDGE
I understand that as a student of the University of Dayton, I am a member of our academic and social community. I recognize the importance of my education and the value of experiencing life in such an integrated community. I believe that the value of my education and degree is critically dependent upon the academic integrity of the university community, and so in order to maintain our academic integrity, I pledge to:
- Complete all assignments and examinations by the guidelines given to me by my instructors;
- Avoid plagiarism and any other form of misrepresenting someone else's work as my own;
- Adhere to the Standards of Conduct as outlined in the Academic Honor Code.
In doing this, I hold myself and my community to a higher standard of excellence and set an example for my peers to follow.