MUSE 150: Beginning Strings

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2023
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 162
District General Education: C1. Arts
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

A beginning level technique class for violin, viola, cello, and string bass, including instruction in stringing, tuning, fingering, playing techniques, reading notation, and playing compositions. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Students will be able to demonstrate string instruments with increased awareness of physical efficiency and proper use of the body.
  • Demonstrate the care of the instrument and minor repairs, including how to straighten a bridge, how to replace strings, etc.
  • Demonstrate instrument assembly, bow assembly, and the proper method for tuning.
  • Demonstrate right-hand and left-hand facility with good finger placement and improved intonation.
  • Demonstrate fundamental practice techniques for string playing at the beginning level.
  • Students will identify and demonstrate musical style in string performances at the beginning level.
  • Demonstrate a proper right-hand bow hold for elements of good tone production at the beginning level
  • Demonstrate the development of the bow stroke and tone quality at the beginning level.
  • Demonstrate common bow techniques, styles, and pizzicato at the beginning level.
  • Students will become familiar with beginning-level scale and arpeggio studies.
  • Students will show increased awareness of musical concepts and terminology related to string performance at the beginning level.
  • Students will study beginning-level string literature and methods.
  • Student will become familiar with string ensemble materials.
  • Students will identify all parts of the string instruments.

Major Course Content

  1. Explanation and demonstration of proper posture and grasp of the instrument with repetitions of the process by each student at the beginning level.
  2. Explanation and demonstration of technique of holding the bow and application of bow to the strings at the beginning level.
  3. Focus on vibrato, shifting, left-hand and right-hand facility and tone production at the beginning level.
  4. Study of beginning-level orchestral literature, chamber music literature, and solo literature.
  5. Full bow open string exercises commence with emphasis on producing a beautiful tone at the beginning level.
  6. Focus on technical development and sight-reading at the beginning level.
  7. Perform beginning-level melodies as demonstrated by the instructor through listening and class repetition.
  8. Beginning-level scales are introduced, explained, demonstrated, and then practiced through class repetition.
  9. Instruction on proper care and maintenance of string instruments.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Three 1-2 page essays on string techniques, instrument maintenance, orchestral composers.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Individual practice and rehearsal of exercises and techniques provided by the instructor
Memorization of chord and scale patterns, common terms, and techniques as related to the guitar
Selected listening to guitar music of various styles
On-campus and off-campus live performances

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture