Syllabus - String Majors

Applied Study for Music Majors
MU1351/4351 (violin) - MU1353/4353 (viola)

Instructor Jean R. Perrault
Location Humanities 232
Office Hours As posted
Telephone (218) 726-8215
Master Class Selected Thursdays at 1pm - Humanities 222
Number of Credits 2-3

Objective
The purpose of this course is to help the students improve on their instrument, technically and musically. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credits

Procedure
Scales will be used to improve intonation, assist in the accuracy of sequential notes and acquaint the students with all registers of the instrument.
Arpeggios will also be used to improve intonation and dexterity.
Both Scales and Arpeggios will be used to improve tone, vibrato and advanced bowing patterns and other advanced technical aspects of playing the instrument.
Students will show their facility with scales and arpeggios through simple and complex rhythmic improvisation.
Etudes will be used to drill certain technical difficulties on the instrument.
Short pieces will be used to apply the newly learned skills to a short musical setting.
Sonatas will be used to reinforce their knowledge and skills in chamber music.
Concerto/concert piece will be used to boost the student's self-esteem while elaborating on all the learned technical skills. Long term commitment to a concerto or concert piece is key for a comfortable and polished performance.
Repertoire will be chosen according to the student's level.

Expectations
Students will come to all lessons on time. Unexcused absence will not be tolerated.
All assignments will be practiced for the whole week before the next lesson.
Students will learn to play in a variety of musical styles.
Students will familiarize themselves with the proper terminology necessary to communicate musical ideas.
Students will be prepared to play any of the assigned pieces during the lesson.
Students are required to perform in a minimum of 1 Master Classes per semester.
Students are required to participate in at least 1 recital per semester.

MN Music Educator Standards of Effective Practice
Students will demonstrate advanced solo and ensemble performance on at least one instrument of the keyboard, percussion, string, or wind families.
Students will demonstrate musical accuracy and expressiveness using music examples from diverse styles and time periods

Course Grading and Evaluation
Every student will be evaluated at every class. Attendance to all classes is mandatory. Legitimate and verifiable circumstances that lead to excused student absence from the classroom can be found on the UMD website at http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/ExcusedAbsence.html. Half of the grade will be based on the ability to show-up at the scheduled times and places. Excessive absences will jeopardize the passing of the course. Grades will be lowered a full letter for every unexcused absence.

Grading scale:
A = 93.0% A- = 90.0%
B+ = 87.0% B = 83.0%
B- = 80.0% C+ = 77.0%
C = 73.0% C- = 70.0%
D+ = 67.0% D = 63.0%
F = below 60.0%

Student Conduct Code
Appropriate classroom conduct promotes an environment of academic achievement and integrity. Disruptive classroom behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the instructor's ability to teach, or student learning, is prohibited. More information can be found on the Board of Regents website: http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/academic/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf

Teaching & Learning: Instructor and Student Responsibilities
UMD is committed to providing a positive, safe, and inclusive place for all who study and work here. Instructors and students have mutual responsibility to insure that the environment in all of these settings supports teaching and learning, is respectful of the rights and freedoms of all members, and promotes a civil and open exchange of ideas. More information can be found at http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/TeachingLearning.html

Healthy performance habits
In order to maintain healthy playing habits, students should arrive at a rehearsal with ample time to properly warm-up, to avoid neuromusculoskeletal disorders and other physical injuries. Periodic stretching and breaks will be built into the rehearsal schedule. For a more complete list of activities that increase healthy habits, please visit the NASM website at http://nasm.arts-accredit.org/site/docs/PAMA-NASM_Advisories/5a_NASM_PAMA_NMH-Student_Information_Sheet-Standard%20NMH_June%202014.pdf

COVID-19 Guidelines
We will follow ALLCDC, State of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth mandated guidelines. The UMD Health, Prevention and Wellbieng policies and guidelines can be found at the following link https://safe-campus.d.umn.edu/prevention-and-wellbeing

Students with disabilities
It is the policy and practice of the University of Minnesota Duluth to create inclusive learning environments for all students, including students with disabilities. If there are aspects of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or your ability to meet course requirements - such as time limited exams, inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos - please notify the instructor as soon as possible. You are also encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Resources to discuss and arrange reasonable accommodations. Please call 218-726-6130 or visit the DR website at http://www.d.umn.edu/access for more information.

Academic dishonesty tarnishes UMD's reputation and discredits the accomplishments of students. UMD is committed to providing students every possible opportunity to grow in mind and spirit. This commitment can only be fulfilled in an environment of trust, honesty, fairness, respect, and responsibility. As a result, academic dishonesty is regarded as a serious offense by all members of the academic community. All faculty, staff, and students are expected to maintain the highest levels of academic integrity. More information regarding the student academic conduct code can be found at http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/StudentAcademicIntegrity.html. This policy sanctions students engaging in academic dishonesty with penalties up to and including expulsion from the university for repeat offenders.