ASML Syllabus F18
ASML Syllabus F18
ASML Syllabus F18
Course description: Advanced String Methods and Literature I & II are required courses
for all graduate string performance majors. These courses are intended to introduce you
to the various techniques, histories, and repertoire for violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
The course will also incorporate string chamber music repertoire throughout the year as
well as related topics of pedagogy and string performance.
Session 1 Course Description: Session 1 will focus on the violin. We will be studying
topics such as: the history, repertoire, technique and the legacy of the
violinists/teachers/pedagogues who have shaped its development through the centuries to
today. Session II will begin in the middle of the semester and focus on the viola.
Course materials: Reading and listening assignments will be provided by the instructor,
available online or placed on reserve in the Music Library.
Grading: Grades will be given in the plus/minus format, and based on the following
criteria: 20% attendance, 30% class participation and preparation of assigned reading and
listening, 25% masterclass and paper, 25% final presentation. The grade you receive for
this session will be averaged with the grade you receive for Session II (Viola) to
determine your semester grade.
Attendance Policies: If you are unable to attend a class session due to illness, emergency,
or unavoidable conflict, you must contact the instructor for the week you will be gone
prior to the class session when at all possible. We reserve the right to deem an absence as
“excused” or “unexcused.”
Mock Masterclass: During class on Oct 8, you will participate in a mock masterclass.
The goal of this is to give you a valuable 10-15 minute experience in teaching a
masterclass. Each student will act as both a performer, preparing 2-3 minutes of a work
from the solo repertoire, and as a masterclass teacher. After the masterclass, you will
write a 3-5 page paper in two sections. In the first section, you will comment on your
experience as a student. For instance: what were the main points of the masterclass, how
effective was the time spent, and suggestions for areas of improvement. In the second
section, you will evaluate your own teaching, commenting on your experience, what you
were trying to achieve, and suggestions for areas of improvement in your presentation.
The paper will be due in class the week following this class, Oct. 15
Final Presentation: Your presentation will be given during finals week, during the
official time and date assigned and announced by the registrar during the 5th week of
classes. The duration should be approximately 15 min. Please practice timing your
presentation after you have prepared it to make sure that you are “in the ballpark”. The
topic of your presentation will be based on one significant work for violin (that has not
been covered in class). You will present a formal analysis of the work and research the
historical background, including information about the premiere, the dedication (if any),
and any other significant events surrounding the composition of the work, and place it in
a general context of the history of the development of the violin. You may wish to
include a discussion of musical influences on this piece, and its place within the total
musical output by this composer.
Students can seek additional help with their presentations from the Speaking Center:
http://www.uiowa.edu/~rhetoric/centers/speaking.html.
Course Outline
Aug 20 Wolfe Introduction
Development of the Violin and Bow
Baroque I – Corelli and Vivaldi
FINAL EXAM WEEK: Presentations of Projects: 15 min each Time and location will be
announced in the fifth week of the semester
The professors reserve the right to make any necessary changes to the syllabus and class
schedule.