String Technique - Syllabus

MU2445 String Technique (Spring semesters only)

Instructors: Jean R. Perrault & Gordon Lewis

Class location: Singer Hall (weeks 1-8) & Chester Park Gym (weeks 8-15)

Class time: Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00-1:50pm

Office Hours: As posted (Jean R Perrault & Gordon Lewis)

Telephone: (218) 726-8208

Course Description:
Beginning group instruction and pedagogy on string instruments; acoustics principle for strings.

Required textbook
Essential Elements for Strings Michael Allen, Robert Gillespie, Pamela T. Hayes (teacher edition)

Music Book (distributed in class as needed)
Muller-Rusch Volume 1 (VIOLA!)

Recommended reading
Principles of Violin Playing and Teaching Ivan Galamian
Violin Playing As I Teach It Leopold Auer
Ear Training and Violin Playing Bruno Steinschaden, Helmut Zehetmair
String Playing - The Drama of Playing and Teaching Strings Phillis Young
String Ensemble method - Begining Class Instruction Arthur C. Edwards
Strictly Strings Jacqueline Dillon, James Kjelland, John O'Reilly
Essentials Techniques for Strings Michael Allen, Robert Gillespie
Playing and Teaching the Strings Vincent Oddo
String Builder (Violin & Viola) Samuel Applebaum
Teaching the Fundamentals of Violin Playing Jack M. Pernecky

Section 1 - Week 1 -7 (violin and viola) Playing & Written Midterm on week 8
Section 2 - Week 8 - 15 (cello & double bass) Playing & Written Midterm during Final's week

Goals and Objectives

• Introduction to Violin/Viola/Cello/Bass
  Naming the parts of the instrument
  Correct position, holding the instrument and the bow
  Basic left and right-hand technique
  Choosing the correct size instrument for students
  Tuning the Instrument

• The Core of String Playing
  Basic bowing
  Acoustics principles / Sound production and tone control
  Shifting
  Double stops / chords / arpeggios
  Natural and artificial harmonics
  Vibrato
  Concept of fingering
  Intermediate and advanced bow technique
  Improvisation on familiar nursery rhymes and folk melodies.
  Glossary of symbols and terms used in string music

• Care and Maintenance of Instrument
  Tightening and rosining the bow
  Making minor repairs and adjustments
  Storing facilities / temperature
  Purchasing instruments (MENC standards)
  Accessories

• Choosing Repertoire
  Selecting instructional material
  Chamber music
  Source materials

• Managing classroom
  Diversity in the classroom
  Class size
  Anger and frustration management

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 half letter for every unexcused absence. On the final class day of each section (see above) a test will be administered. This Midterm test (playing and written) will count for exactly one-quarter (1/4) of the FINAL GRADE. A Final Exam (playing and written), as scheduled in the class schedule catalog, will count for the remaining quarter (1/4) of the FINAL GRADE.

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.