WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY
Instructor: Dr. Shi-Hwa Wang Classroom: BC133
Office: BC 345 e-mail: swang@weber.edu
Phone: 626-6929
Office hours: TBA
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.
● Hamann, et al. Strategies for Teaching Strings, Oxford University Press, 2004.
● Ensemble Course Pack, Pick up your Course Pack at the Book Store.
● Suzuki Violin/Viola/Cello/String Bass School, Volume 2 (for string majors only).
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:
any conditions that are not suitable for human are not suitable for a stringed instrument.
STRING PROGRAM PARTICIPATION:
1. WSU ASTA Stringfest: You are required to participate the WSU ASTA Stringfest on Saturday, March 1 from 9 am to 3 pm. You need to come for at least one hour. Specific assignment for participating the Stringfest will be notified. Please schedule ahead of time. If you just can’t come on March 1, you must attend the Stringfest Honors Recital at 7:30 pm, March 3.
2. Important recitals that involve string playing (choose 4): 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.
Jan. 16: Viktor Uzur Faculty Cello Recital. 7:30 pm, Allred Theater.
Feb. 5: WSU Faculty String Quartet, 7:30 pm, BC 136.
March 3: Stringfest Honors Recital, 7:30 pm, BC 136. (not required if you participate the Stringfest on March 1)
March 19, 21, 22: Bonneville Chamber Music Festival, 7:30 pm, Allred Theater.
April 15: WSU String Chamber Ensembles. 7:30 pm, BC 136.
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 if the lid is closed 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.
All instruments are due back upon the end of the last Playing Test.
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.
Playing tests (ALL PIECES TESTED FROM MEMORY)
Lecture on texts: Every three weeks 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: Jan. 8
Lecture 2: Feb. 12
Lecture 3: March 25
Quiz: Playing Test 1: Feb. 5
Playing Test 2: March 18
Playing Test 3: Apr. 22
Final Paper: Due 5:30 pm, April 25
Grading: Your semester grade will be based on the following:
Practice report 15%
Playing tests (3) 45%
Concert attendance (4) 10%
Final Exam (Quiz) 30%
94-100 A
86-93 B
78-85 C
70-77 D
below 70 F