Violin and viola 3C
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: ME117C
Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)
Note: Course starts today, check start time
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 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.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
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
- Work on individual technical and musical issues.
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)
- Hold an independent line of music in pieces
- 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 and have started learning Grade 3 standard material. 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?
Live interactive sessions will be taught via Zoom:
- Tutor demonstration and explanation.
- Playing along with the tutor and others in the class
- Playing from printed musc and some playing by ear
Regular individual practice (at least 30 minutes, 4 or 5 times a week) will ensure your progress.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You need your own violin or viola kit, also pencil, eraser, notepad and manuscript paper.
Live sessions will be taught via Zoom and materials provided via Google Classroom. You will need to be able to read these on a screen or print out your own hard copies.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to repeat Level 3, or you may be ready to move on to Violin and viola 4A in September. Please consult with your tutor.
You may also be interested in String schools (normally, Winter, Easter, Summer) or Music Theory and Musicianship.
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.
