Chamber music: advanced
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Course Code: ME269A
Available start dates
Duration: 8 sessions (over 8 weeks)
Why do I need an advice session?
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
You will play various chamber music works in a variety of mixed instrumental groups, and experience at first hand the colours and possibilities of various instruments. Works will be selected by the tutor in consultation with the students, according to skill, experience and musical tastes and interests. Commitment to the course and regular attendance is essential, as is individual practice between sessions.
City Lit also offers Chamber music: intermediate on Fridays at 11:00 - 13:00.
What will we cover?
- A selection of chamber music works appropriate to the abilities of the players
- Listening skills when rehearsing and performing chamber music works
- How to practise efficiently in order to achieve a good performance.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- play and perform with an improved sense of rhythm
- play with a better sense of phrasing and timbre
- react more sensitively with other players in a chamber music ensemble
- understand in detail the stylistic features of pieces studied and performed in class
- identify the characteristics of different instruments.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You should be playing at Grade 5 standard or above (wind/string instruments) or Grade 6 or above (pianists) and a good sense of rhythm as well as good sight-reading skills.
You will need to work co-operatively with other students in the group and receptive to tutor feedback.
You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is a practical course, with tutoring every week in the various groups you play with. Supporting materials will be shared, by both tutor and students, on Google Classroom (e.g. handouts about practice methods, links to recorded performances of repertoire studied).
You will be expected to practise between sessions and be committed to the course and your fellow ensemble members.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your own instrument (pianos and music stands are provided) and a pencil.
Depending on the repertoire chosen, students may supply their own music, or the tutor will draw from the Music department's library of chamber music and/or online sources such as the Petrucci Music Library [external website].
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Players continue in the course for as many terms as they wish. Different repertoire is covered each term.
You may also be interested in our wide range of Music theory & musicianship and Music history courses.
Gisela is a multi-skilled musician: She works as a pianist, piano accompanist, classical soprano, cellist and teacher. Following undergraduate studies in Frankfurt-am-Main and a postgraduate diploma (piano) in Weimar, Gisela obtained a MMus in Accompaniment at the Guildhall School for Music and Drama. She has also studied singing privately with Jessica Cash, focussing primarily on oratorio and art songs. Gisela performs regularly in recitals as a soloist (as pianist or singer) and also sings and plays in a variety of chamber ensembles. In her freelance work she accompanies concerts, exams and recitals for professionals, students of various music colleges and Grade exam canditates. She is a consultant for Islington Sixth Form college, with her roles ranging from acoompaniment and teaching to the conducting of exams and auditions. Gisela has worked for City Lit since 2001, as accompanist and tutor. Presently, she teaches Piano, Singing and Chamber music (Level 2 and Advanced).
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
