Syllabus –Wendy Daugherty1
Southwestern Assemblies of GodUniversity / Wendy DaughertyFall 2010
STRING TECHNIQUES
COURSE SYLLABUS
MUS 3141Section 00
COURSE DESCRIPTION
One hour course in string technique. Rehearsal objectives, instrumental techniques and materials specific to beginning band and orchestra; rehearsal management and organization; visual and aural diagnostic skills for teachingperformance fundamentals.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify the parts of the instruments by their proper name and function;
- State terminology indicative to playing string instruments;
- Demonstrate the ability to play each of the stringed instruments by playing specific notes and scales;
- Successfully teach good posture and position, instrument care and maintenance, vibrato, shifting, bow distribution, various bowing styles, and good sound;
- Demonstrate string knowledge through class teaching projects, score study, playing exams, quizzes and written exams.
Additionally, upon completion of this course the Music Educationstudent should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and skills as stated in the Music Standards. These standards help prepare the student to pass the TExES exam.
Standard I: The music teacher has a comprehensive visual and aural knowledge of musical perception and performance
Standard II: The music teacher sings and plays a musical instrument
Standard III: The music teacher has a comprehensive knowledge of music notation
Standard VI: The music teacher applies a comprehensive knowledge of music to evaluate musical compositions, performances, and experiences
COURSE TEXTS / SUPPLIES:
- Allen, Michael, Robert Gillespie, and Pamela Hayes. Essential elements 2000 for
strings, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass, Book 1. Milwaukee: Hal Leonard
Corporation, 2002
- Instruments (cello, violin, viola, double bass) – Music students using a school owned instrument will be required to pay a $35.00 rental fee to the cashier and submit the receipt to the instructor prior to receiving the instrument. Each student will be held responsible for the condition of the instrument at the end of the semester. All instruments must be returned in good condition before the final grade will be given for the student.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
- Successfully complete the course written exams and quizzes.
- Successfully complete playing exams.
- Read and practice the course textbooks according to assignment.
- Complete a project of your choice from the options available.
- Lead a rehearsal of a string ensemble.
- Participate in class rehearsal activities.
COURSE METHODOLOGY:
This class will involve lecture, hands on learning, group participation, exams, quizzes,
reading assignments, and a project of individual choice.
COURSE EVALUATION:
GradingEnsemble Teaching Presentation / 10% (100 pts) / Comprehensive
Project / 10% (100 pts) / Comprehensive
Class Participation / 10% (100 pts) / Cumulative over each class period
4 Pop Quizzes / 10% (25 pts ea) / Cumulative points over all
4 Playing Exams / 40% (100 pts ea) / Cumulative points over all
Written Exam / 10% (100 pts) / Comprehensive
Final Playing Exam / 10% (100 pts) / Comprehensive
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Project: Complete a project of your choice from the following list.
A) Review of a string method book: Method books are available from Mrs. Daugherty. You will need to exam and analyze three different method books. Handouts will be distributed with suggested areas that should be observed and addressed in your analysis. Include your impression on which string method book you would prefer to use and why. Include a bibliography. Your findings will be written (1 page typed).
B) Review of string performance: 1) Attend a live string recital or performance of at least 30 minutes – OR – 2) Find and watch 30 minutes worth of string performances on a website such as YouTube and write a short reaction paper based on the knowledge you have gained during this course (one page typed). For a live performance, please attach the program to your paper. For a website, please include the link to the performance(s) viewed. This project works very well if you observe a youth performance. Some hints: Posture, bow strokes and other right hand techniques, shifting, vibrato, thumb position, synchronization...
C) Arranging Project (3 arrangements):
a) Using a hymn, take the tenor line and rewrite it in the viola clef. AND
b) Using a chorus, write an improvised part for a string instrument. AND
c) Using an already prepared orchestration, simplify the part for the
beginner -intermediate string player. An orchestration part will be supplied by the teacher.
D) Lesson Plan Project:Using knowledge gained from the textbook and class lectures, develop a lesson plan that you could use to teach in a school setting. Choose a topic from the list below. Evaluation will be based on correctly worded objectives (20), use of at least three creative teaching methods (20), correct teaching material for setting and age (20), material for 50 minutes (20), and correct use of knowledge of string instruments. This lesson plan is to be done as a detailed outline with explanations. It is not required to be in manuscript form.
Topics to choose from include Instrument set-up, Proper Playing Position, Bow Exercises, Legato and Staccato Bow Stroke, Tuning, and Slurring
2. Pop Quizzes: Pop quizzes, based on lectures and the textbook, will be given (25 points each). These quizzes/activities are designed to help students know the material throughout the semester. Quizzes / activities cannot be made up.
3. Playing Exams: One Playing exam will be given for each instrument (violin, viola, cello, double bass.) Students should be able to demonstrate proper technique and accurate note reading. Students will be assigned a portion of music that will be performed for the exam. 1 of these exams (TBD) will be graded by your peers.
4. Written Exam: Exam will cover information learned from textbook, lecture, and handouts.
5. Ensemble Teaching Presentation: Student will lead a 15 minute class rehearsal. Student will be graded by peers and instructor based on knowledge and leadership. A student evaluation form will be completed by the other members of the class and averaged together to comprise 1/2 of the grade. An evaluation form will also be completed by the instructor to comprise the other 1/2 of the grade.
6. Final Playing Exam: Student will demonstrate knowledge of the instrument through tuning the instrument, using good bow technique, keeping a consistent tempo, playing in pitch, and appropriate posture. This exam will be performed in front of the class.
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7. Class Participation: Students will come prepared for each class period by practicing the material in their course textbook. They will actively participate in the playing activities during class period.
Syllabus –Wendy Daugherty1
UNIVERSITY GRADING SCALE
Undergraduate Grading Scale / GPAA / 93-100 / 4.0
A- / 90-92 / 3.7
B+ / 87-89 / 3.3
B / 83-86 / 3.0
B - / 80-82 / 2.7
C+ / 77-79 / 2.3
C / 73-76 / 2.0
C- / 70-72 / 1.7
D+ / 67-69 / 1.3
D / 63-66 / 1.0
D- / 60-62 / 0.7
F / 59-below / 0.0
CR* / Credit
NC* / No Credit
P* / Pass
NP* / No Pass
I / Incomplete
W / Withdrawn
WP* / Withdrawn Passing
WF* / Withdrawn Failing
COURSE POLICIES:
Class Attendance
Southwestern’s on-campus academic program is designed as an in-class learning experience. In this type of instructional setting, the ability to pass examinations and complete outside projects is only a partial measure of the student’s knowledge, skills, understanding, and appreciation of the subject matter. Therefore, students are required to maintain regular and punctual class attendance. Properly obtained and authorized excuses will be necessary for any make-up tests to be offered and to avoid grade penalties for turning in late assignments. While attendance will be taken in each class, it is the student’s responsibility to keep informed of their attendance standing. The students are further responsible for any material missed by reason of their absence from class whether or not said absence was excused. Class attendance will be treated in conformity with the corresponding academic catalog regulations:
Absences which exceed 20% (6 absences for classes meeting 2 times per week, 8 absences for classes meeting 3 times per week), regardless of the nature or reason for the absences, will result in the student being administratively dropped automatically from the course, receiving a grade of “WP” or “WF”. (The student will be assessed the established course withdrawal fee.) In a course which meets 2 times per week, students will receive administrative withdrawal at the 7th absence. In a course which meets 3 times per week, students will receive administrative withdrawal at the 9th absence. Since this class meets twice per week, you will be allowed six absences before being automatically dropped from the course.
Students missing fifteen minutes of a class will be counted as absent for that session. Every two tardies acquired in classes that meet twice a week and every three tardies in classes that meet three times per week will be considered as an absence. The student is responsible, at the end of class, to identify his/her tardiness to the professor.
Unless there has been some other notification, students must wait at least 15 minutes for the instructor to arrive before they may leave the class.
A student who is absent from a class is responsible for missed work, directions, lecture notes, hand outs, and any other course details.
Quizzes and Exams
Quizzes will be offered periodically during the course, building a score of cumulative points. Make up quizzes are not offered. Students who arrive late to class on a quiz day, missing the opportunity, will not be offered make-up grace. Exams are drawn from material presented during the course. An unexcused absence on an exam date will result in a zero for that exam.
Final Exams
During the Final Exam Week, a final exam will be administered in class at the time that the university has established as printed in the class schedule. No final exam will be given prior to Final Exam Week. If the course does not include a final exam, class shallmeet during the stated exam period to conclude the semester. Students with scheduling problems calling for more than three (3) finals in one day may arrange with the professor (subject to the professor’s approval) to take an exam at an alternate time. The arrangement must be done the week prior to exam week. Consult the Final Exam Schedule published by the Registrar’s office.
Graduating seniors with a grade of B or higher within a course may be exempted from the last examination of the course if the professor designates it as a comprehensive final exam. However, a graduating senior with a grade of B or higher within a course, at the professor’s prerogative, may or may not be exempted from a unit exam given during the Final Exam Week.
Assignments
Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the due date. If the student is absent on the day an assignment is due, it is that student’s responsibility to turn in the assignment by class time. If an unplanned event (extended chapel) should impact a class period in which an assignment is due, the assignment must be submitted before 3:00pm or it will be counted as late. The first day of lateness begins immediately following the collection of the assignments at the beginning of class.
Assignments will be marked down 10% for each day late.
Electronic Devices in Class
Inasmuch as electronic devices pose a serious risk to academic integrity, and because mobile phones are disruptive to the learning environment, the instructor reserves the right to control the use of all electronic devices in class (phones, pda’s, calculators, etc.). Students are not permitted to use mobile phones, pda’s or other devices for sending/receiving calls and/or text messages during class. Under no circumstances will students turn on electronic devices or keep them on during tests or quizzes. Students who send/receive text messages during an exam, engage in any kind of communications activity which threaten the integrity of the test environment, or photograph on electronic devices test materials or other materials the instructor deems inappropriate for copy are subject to failure in the course.
Academic Integrity
Studies at Southwestern are as inherently spiritual as they are intellectual. Students are admitted with the expectation of a commitment to honesty and stewardship. The true worship of God requires the worship of the whole being (“you shall love the Lord your God with all your…mind” Matthew 22:37). Students are expected to be honest in fulfilling all academic requirements and assignments. This pertains to examinations, themes, book critiques, reading reports, etc.
Therefore, any form of cheating or academic dishonesty is unfit to basic Christian discipleship and cannot be tolerated. Anyone cheating on a test or assignment may receive and “F” for the assignment or for the course and potentially face disciplinary action by the school. Course notes and other resources may not be brought into the testing room. Testing requires academic honesty and a student’s honor is at stake if the testing situation is compromised in any fashion by having persons present, or materials or technologies in use which impact the results of the test. Plagiarism, the use of another’s uncited material as one’s own, is impermissible. Reproducing material from other students by photocopy, computer media transfer, or by rewrite is cheating. This also specifically applies to the use of other people’s sermons and ceremonies from books, tapes, magazines, etc. without proper attribution. It further apples to downloading material from websites which are designed to aid in cheating on essays, term papers and dissertations.
A student will not be allowed to withdraw from a course if he/she is under investigation for academic dishonesty. In the event that the student is determined guilty of academic dishonesty, then the student will not be allowed to withdraw from the course and will receive the grade determined by the instructor. Refer to “Standard of Conduct” in the Student Handbook.
Withdrawal
In the unfortunate event that a student seeks to withdraw from a course or from SAGU, the Registrar’s Office should first be contacted to initiate the process. Request to withdraw must be backed up with a student’s written statement. There is a fee assessed for withdrawal from a course.
Automatic Withdrawal
All students are required to attend class faithfully. Whenever a student misses a class in excess of 20% of the times the course is scheduled to meet, that student will be administratively withdrawn from the course. There is a fee for an administrative withdrawal which exceeds the amount a student is liable for when a student initiates a withdrawal on his/her own.
Availability of Instructor
Be sure to seek help immediately if you are having difficulty with this course. I am here to help you.
Office: F134
Office Hours: Please do not be hesitant to make an appointment with me.
Email:
Phone: (972) 921-8458
(Please leave a voice message if I am unavailable to answer your call).
Calendar
Instrument 1 (Read and practice pages 4-25)Sept. 7,9
Instrument 1 (Read and practice pages 26-42)Sept. 14,16
Playing exam 1 Sept. 23
Instrument 2 (Read and practice pages 4-25)Sept. 28,30
Instrument 2 (Read and practice pages 26-42)Oct. 5,7
Playing exam 2 Oct. 14
Instrument 3 (Read and practice pages 4-25)Oct. 19,21
Instrument 3 (Read and practice pages 26-42)Oct. 26,28
Project dueOct. 28
Playing exam 3 Nov. 4
Instrument 4 (Read and practice pages 4-25)Nov. 9,11
Instrument 4 (Read and practice pages 26-42)Nov. 16,18
Ensemble Teaching PresentationNov. 23
Playing exam 4Nov. 30
Written Exam Dec. 7
Final Playing Exam Dec. 9 (4:00-5:20)
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Week 1
Syllabus
History of String instruments
Naming the parts of the instrument.
Introduce the strings of the instrument.
Tuning the instrument.
Comparison of violin and viola.
Week 2
Holding the instrument. Be able to identify and rectify an incorrect position.
Basic Left hand technique
Pizz. the open strings and notes on D string and A string (pages 4-15)
Basic care and maintenance of the instrument (bow, dust, temperature)
Practice habits
Week 3
Basic right hand techniques (tone, arm height, bow hold exercises)
Basic bowing
Good sound production and tone control (straws, straight, bow placement, string level)
G Major Scale
Book Pages (4-25)
G string notes (pages 26-37)
Week 4
C String / E string notes (pages 38-42)
Slur, tie, hook
Low 2’s on D and A string
4th finger
D Major Scale
Performance Exam #1 (on all previous music covered!)
Week 5
Accessories for the instruments (mute, dampit, peg stop, varnish, end stop, tuner, puck
up mike, stands, practice mute, pencil guard, cleaning cloth, rosin, shoulder rest, chinrest, chair, bow bag)
Switch Instruments
Book pages (4-25)
Glossary of terms and symbols used in string music.
Sight reading (Pachelbel, Christmas, Suzuki)
Week 6
Book pages (26-42)
Scales
Orchestra/Quartet seating
Standing and sitting positions
Game – Fix My Position
Project information
Week 7
Performance Exam #2 (on all previous music covered!)
Introduce shifting.
Switch Instruments
ASTA String Syllabus
Week 8
Instructional materials
Book pages (4-25)
Intermediate and advanced bowing techniques (hook, slur, legato, staccato, spiccato,
sul tasto, sul ponticello, ricochet, arpeggio, string crossing, staccato in one bow stroke)
Producing a good sound in the higher positions
Week 9
Book pages (26-42)
Project Due
Introduce the concept of natural and artificial harmonics.
The vibrato and its use.
Purchasing / Sizing instruments.
Week 10
Making minor repairs and adjustments
(bow hair breakage, change string, pegs, chin rest, bridge)
Selecting instructional materials.
Performance Exam #3 (on all previous music covered!)
Switch Instruments
Week 11
Double Stops/Chords
Book pages (4-25)
Game – Find the mistakes
Ensemble Teaching Requirements
Week 12
Book pages (26-42)
Ensemble Teaching Presentation
Week 13
Performance Exam #4 (on all previous music covered!)
Written Exam Review
Assignment for Final Performance
Week 14
Written Exam (on all previous material covered!)
Final
Final Performance Playing Exam
Bibliography
Hamann, Donald and Robert Gillespie. Strategies for Teaching Strings. New York: Oxford
University Press, 2009.
Lamb, Norman and Susan Lamb Cook. Guide to Teaching Strings. New York: McGraw-Hill,
2002.