Chamber music: intermediate

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.
Please click the pink "Start your interview" button to apply; you will be contacted by the Music department to check and/or confirm your suitability for the course and availability of places for your instrument.

What will we cover?

- A selection of chamber music works appropriate to the abilities and instruments 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 3-5 standard (wind/string instruments) or Grade 5-6 (pianists) and a good sense of rhythm as well as some 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 progress to Chamber music: advanced when ready, and/or take other ensemble courses such as City Lit Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble or String School.
You may also be interested in our wide range of Music theory & musicianship and Music history courses.