Violin and viola 2C
- Course Code: ME118C
- Dates: 22/04/24 - 08/07/24
- Time: 18:00 - 19:30
- Taught: Mon, Evening
- Duration: 10 sessions (over 12 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Robert Puzey
Course Code: ME118C
Duration: 10 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?
This course develops your playing technique, reading of music notation, basic music theory and tuning your
instrument. You will be working towards Grade 2 standard. This course continues with Violin and Viola 3A.
What will we cover?
- Good posture and movement
- Good left hand position and correct finger placement
- Good bowhold and control
- Rhythm, reading and writing music
- Improving your tone quality and intonation
- Major and minor keys and scales: including Bflat Major.
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?
This course is for those who have been learning the instrument for more than a year. You should be able to play simple major and minor scales and arpeggios (in key signatures with up to three sharps or in one flat) and play and read simple tunes at Grade 1/2 standard.
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. Sessions will also include class discussion, aural skills and theoretical study.
To make progress you will need to practise regularly outside class (ideally at least 20 minutes on least 4 days per week).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your own violin/viola kit; pen, pencil, eraser, notepad and manuscript paper. A folder for handouts and your notes is also useful. Book used on this course include Violin/Viola Samuel Appelbaum, Belwin String Builder Book 2, for violin / viola
Violin ABRSM Violin Grade 2 Pieces & ABRSM Grade 2 Violin Scales & arpeggios
Viola ABRSM More Time Pieces for Viola vol.1 (Grades 1-3) & ABRSM Viola Scales & arpeggios Grades 1-5,.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course continues to Violin and viola 3A.
You may be interested in joining String ensemble, which will help improve your sight-reading, intonation and ensemble skills.
You may also be interested in Music Theory and Musicianship courses, which support general musical development.
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.
