Violin and viola 3B
Time: 18:00 - 19:30
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: ME117B
- Dates: 13/01/25 - 31/03/25
- Time: 18:00 - 19:30
- Taught: Mon, Evening
- Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Robert Puzey
Course Code: ME117B
Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
You will learn to play and read music in 3rd position. You will develop your musical and technical skills through a selection of repertoire, scales and exercises. There will be an exploration of how your body works in playing. You will gain experience of playing independent lines in a group situation.
What will we cover?
- Shifting between 1st and 3rd positions
- Use the bow with greater skill and control
- Introduction to vibrato
- Understand major and minor (harmonic and melodic) scale patterns including scales in 3rd position
- Have confidence to join an elementary orchestra or chamber music group.
- Work on individual problems.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Play with some confidence with a pleasant tone and good bow control
- Tune your instrument using an aid (e.g. tuner, piano)
- Play with the group and on your own
- Hold an independent line of music in rounds and songs
- Play selected major and minor scales and arpeggios
- Play music in the keys of your scales
- Read and improvise simple tunes and rhythms.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course assumes you are able to play confidently at Grade 2 standard You will need the ability to read musical notation, fluent knowledge of 1st position, and some knowledge of 3rd position.
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?
The tutor will direct the group, playing along with the whole class (either with the students' line or an accompaniment) or listening to individuals play. There will be demonstration and occasional use of recording. We will use printed music principally, with some playing by ear. Individual practice in-between sessions 4 or 5 times a week of at least 30 minutes will ensure your progress.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your own violin or viola kit. Also bring pen, pencil, eraser, notepad and manuscript paper. A folder for handouts and your notes is also useful. We will use up to 3 textbooks during the year costing £5 to £15 each; the tutor will advise what these are at the first session. These will be used throughout the year. A decent set of strings e.g dominant would also be a wise investment to improve sound quality.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course leads to Violin and viola 3C next term. You may also be interested in String ensemble to develop your sight-reading, intonation and ensemble skills.
Courses that support general musical development include Musicianship: Ear training, Rhythm, Aural training.
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.
