String ensemble: summer season
Check your level
Course Code: ME997
Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
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 be introduced to the basics of ensemble playing and will learn some ensemble repertoire from different periods and musical styles.
This course is a great way to keep playing over the summer, and an ideal introduction to the longer String Ensemble courses that run throughout the year.
What will we cover?
• Holding a part independently alongside other parts
• Playing together with your section and with the whole ensemble
• Balancing volume, blending bowstrokes and articulation with other players
• Following a conductor.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Play confidently as part of the group, holding your part and blending with other players
• Discover a range of ensemble music, from different musical periods and styles.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is for string players approaching Grade 1 level– approximately Grade 3 standard. No previous experience of ensemble playing is required, but the class is also suitable for those who have some previous experience of ensemble playing.
You need to be able to listen to and follow instructions in English.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
It will be a mixture of rehearsal and workshop formats, mostly working as one large group, but also with the possibility of forming smaller ensembles.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Bring your instrument and a pencil/rubber. All sheet music will be provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
If you are playing at around Grade 3 standard, you may also be interested in String Summer School or Chamber music: an introduction
City Lit offers String Ensemble throughout the year, as well as Violin/Viola and Cello at all levels, Chamber music: intermediate, and a wide range of Musicianship courses.
Robert Puzey has enjoyed a varied career teaching and freelancing on violin and viola in London and the South East. He plays with (and jointly runs) The Oberon String Quartet which provides music for weddings and other functions. His teaching includes schools in north London and work with adult string players at City Lit. He also plays chamber music with the Max Bruch Trio. Other playing in recent years has included concerto appearances on both violin and viola, as well as work with the Orchestra of St John's, London Gala and Brighton Philharmonic Orchestras. His further activity with amateur musicians has included leading The Chamber Orchestra, a string orchestra based in central London. He is now incorporating more conducting for string courses at City Lit and also for an amateur string orchestra in north west London, along with Saturday workshops in north London. At City Lit he teaches Violin and viola classes from beginners to advanced, Chamber music, regular intensive String Schools, and is Principal violin for Orchestra workshops.
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.
