Pasadena City College Music Division
COURSE INFORMATION SHEET – Fall 2014
COURSE:
Music 88a- Beginning String Techniques
INSTRUCTORS:
M/W 12:15 – 1:45 pm
Dr. Paula Fehrenbach
ROOM: CA 134
DIVISION OFFICE CA 102
TEXTS:
CREDIT: 1 unit
PHONE: (626) 585-7216
EMAIL: pjfehrenbach@pasadena.edu
All for Strings Book 1 Gerald E. Anderson and Robert S. Frost
(available at local music stores)
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Play in first position on all strings on a particular string instrument.
2. Understand and apply the basic concepts of bow technique.
3. Read elementary string orchestra music in a particular clef
WHAT IS REQUIRED OF THE STUDENT: Attendance: Attendance is expected. Beginning strings is a hands-on
course with many direct learning experiences. Playing techniques are presented in class and much student teacher
interaction takes place. College policy with regard to dropping/adding students will be followed. Tardiness will not be
tolerated. Three tardies will equal one absence. All personal electronic devices shall be stowed for the duration of the
class.
GRADING: Playing and/or written quizzes will be given on assigned materials from the textbook or from additional
handouts. Students will be evaluated on demonstrated ability to perform assigned materials with emphasis on
position/bow hold, sound quality, intonation, and music reading. Students who miss an exam or quiz without prior
permission will be penalized one letter grade.
FINAL GRADE CALCULATION
Quizzes (written and performance) 30% / Mid Term 30% / Final 40%
OFFICE HOURS-MUSIC LAB-location TBA
Monday 11:30 am -12:00 noon
FINAL EXAM-Monday, Dec. 8, 1:00-3:00 pm
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to...
1.
Exhibit an understanding and knowledge of the parts and nomenclature associated with orchestral string
instruments.
2.
Exhibit the fundamentals of care and use of the orchestral string instruments.
3.
Discuss and present basic concepts of proper posture and position used in playing string instruments.
4.
Show the proper techniques of basic tone production, fingering in first position, tuning of open strings, and use of
basic finger patterns on at least one instrument of the orchestral string family.
5.
Perform at a beginning level on an orchestral string instrument several simple melodies in at least three different
keys.
6.
Show an understanding of the fingering systems on the string instrument and be able to apply the concepts to
development of more advanced techniques such as use of upper position, shifting, and fingering.
7.
Demonstrate the concepts of use of the bow as applied to:
a.
angle and placement
b.
common rhythm patterns, spiccato, linked bowings
c.
proper selection of up and down bow motions in general applications
d.
slurred passages