WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY
MUSIC 2871: STRING METHOD I
FALL SEMESTER
Instructor: Dr. Shi-Hwa Wang Classroom: BC133
Office: BC 345 e-mail: swang@weber.edu
Phone: 626-6929
Office hours: by appointment
Course objectives: ● To develop pedagogical knowledge of the violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
● To develop performing skills on violin/viola and cello/double bass.
● To develop knowledge of current methodologies in string teaching.
Texts: ● Allen, et al. Essential Elements 2000 for Strings, Teacher’s Manual, Book One. WSU Book Store.
● Hamann, et al. Strategies for Teaching Strings, Oxford University Press, 2004. WSU Book Store.
● Ensemble Course Pack. WSU Book Store.
● Suzuki Violin/Viola/Cello/String Bass School, Volume 2 (for string majors only). Buy these on your own according to need.
Other requirements:
3-ring notebook, pencil with eraser.
A soft cloth to wipe off rosin.
Women playing the cello should avoid wearing short skirt.
You must not grow fingernails during the course of this class.
Take good care of the school instrument(s) assigned to you. The rule of thumb:
conditions that are not suitable for human are not suitable for a stringed instrument.
STRING PROGRAM PARTICIPATION:
Important recitals that involve string playing: Required. Bring a copy of the concert program to verify your attendance within a week of the performance along with a one-page report on specifics discussed in the class. Raise questions in the report for further discussion in class. You can substitute any two of the listed programs, only due to conflicts of time, with other qualified recitals with the approval from me. Yes, you can be part of the listed programs as a performer.
Oct. 25: Faculty String Quartet Concert. 7:30 pm, Allred Theater.
Oct. 29: Michael Palumbo Viola Recital. 7:30 pm, Allred Theater.
Nov. 19: The Formosan Violin-Piano Duo recital. 7:30 pm, Allred Theater.
Nov. 26: String Chamber Ensemble Concert. 7:30 pm, Allred Theater.
Instruments:
You are responsible for any instrument checked out in your name. Please lock your locker if an instrument is in it. String instruments are made of wood and are very fragile and expensive to repair. Get a locker that will fit the instrument you are borrowing.
The care: 1. Never expose instrument to extremes of heat, sun, cold, or moisture.
2. Always latch case when closing the lid or cover to avoid dropping the instrument.
3. Do not bump instrument or case against anything.
4. Wipe rosin off of instrument after every use.
5. Never store music, etc., in the case on top of the instrument.
6. Always loosen bow hair after use to avoid warping the bow.
Attendance:
Attendance is required at all classes. Excused absences include:
- Death in the immediate family.
- Illness (a doctor’s statement is required).
- University conflict, as agreed upon by notifying the instructor in advance.
Be on time. Our class time is limited, and you may miss valuable information if you are late.
- Three tardies of 5 minutes or more equals one unexcused absence.
On the second unexcused absence, your final grade will be lowered by one step (A to B).
One the third unexcused absence, your final grade will be lowed a second step, etc.
If absences exceed a total of four during the semester, regardless of circumstance, you will not receive a passing grade in this class. Total absences do not include religious holidays recognized by the university.
Instrument should always be brought to the class. Forget to bring your instrument is counted as one unexcused absence.
Practice Practice is expected and required for successful completion of this class. When practice, stand/sit in front of a mirror if possible. The things to check are: intonation, tone, and posture.
You will keep a “Practice Card” for your record. Grading for practice is:
“A” for completing the practice of that week. “B” for one less, and so on.
Exception: If you practice one hour in a particular day you can count it as two days’ practice. Maximum of TWO exceptions per week allowed.
Suzuki School Volume Two (string students ONLY):
If you are a string instrument major or very competent in a stringed instrument you should concentrate on an opposite-voiced instrument, e.g., violinist work on cello/bass or, cellist/bassist work on violin/viola. Your playing tests will be mainly on the Suzuki Book Two repertoire. You need to be able to play at least the first 6 pieces of the book for this semester.
Playing tests (ALL PIECES TESTED FROM MEMORY):
1. September 25, 2007
2. October 30, 2007
3. December 4, 2007
Lecture on texts: Every three weeks (see below) there will be discussion on the text book Strategies for Teaching Strings. These lectures will prepare you for the final paper of your topic.
Lecture 1: September 18, 2007
Lecture 2: October 16, 2007
Lecture 3: November 13, 2007
Final Paper: You will choose a topic from the Lecture on Texts for your final paper. The paper (double-spaced) should not exceed two pages. The Paper is due on December 7 (before 5 p.m.) to my mailbox. You should make a decision on the topic of your paper by November 10. Students should meet with me during scheduled office hours to discuss their topic.
Grading: Your semester grade will be based on the following:
Practice report 15%
Concert Reports (4) 10%
Playing tests (3) 45%
Final paper 30%
94-100 A
86-93 B
78-85 C
70-77 D
below 70 F