Sample Syllabus

MUS 116: Inside the Piece, from the Player’s Perspective

Semester theme: Engaging the Imagination

The goal for this class is to extend your abilities as a chamber music performer. Through rehearsing, masterclass, reading, listening, and writing, musicians in the class reach a deeper understanding and appreciation of chamber music from the European classical tradition.

Class Schedule:

  1. Sept. 2: Introduction, go over class expectations, syllabus, assignments. Review: form, motive.
    Assignment #1: Engaged Listening
  2. Sept. 9: Masterclass.
  3. Sept. 16: Masterclass. (#1 due)
    Assignment #2: Form and Motive-ation
  4. Sept. 23 Masterclass
  5. Monday class: Sept. 29 (#2 due)
    Lydian concert: Sat. Oct. 4: Ives #1, Gabriela Frank, Beethoven OP. 74
  6. Oct. 7 Masterclass
    Assignment #3: The Performer’s Art
    World music concert: India, with Shubha Mudgal and musicians, Saturday, Oct. 8
  7. Oct. 28: Masterclass
  8. Nov. 4 (#3 due)
    Assignment #4: Your Piece
    Lydian Concert: Saturday, Oct. 8, Beethoven Op.18 #2, Bright Sheng, Mozart K 516
  9. Nov. 11: Lydian visit to class; 3 periods of Beethoven, Op. 18#2, 74, 131
  10. Nov. 18: Masterclass
  11. Nov. 25: Masterclass (#4 due)
  12. Dec. 2: Masterclass
  13. Dec. 3: Wednesday noon concert at the library
  14. Dec. 9: Dress touch-ups, and final class concert