Violin & Viola Repertoire Classes

A Repertoire Class, or a Master Class is a class in which (usually) one instructor listens to several students play solos that are close to or at performance level. The instructor then gives technical and/or musical advise as in a lesson and the audience gains by listening, observing, and applying any suggestions to their own practice. It is very important for musicians of all levels to have several such performances prior to performing in a formal concert. This is your chance to listen to and support your colleagues, to try out a new piece, to get some feedback from a different perspective, to hear repertoire you have yet to play, and to learn. Don't miss this valuable opportunity at the Preparatory.

  • There is no fee. The cost is included in your individual instruction tuition.
  • Any member of the Preparatory community is welcome to listen to any Repertoire or Master Class.

We have three variations on the theme of Repertoire Classes:

1. Open Repertoire Classes

Open Repertoire Classes in violin and viola are offered at the Peabody campus (downtown) some Saturdays at 3:15-4:45 pm and once per semester at the Towson campus on Thursdays at 7:30 pm. The faculty rotates.

  • Violin or viola students of any level may sign up to perform in Repertoire Class.
  • Violinists in the Young People's String Program are expected to perform solos in their YPSP Group Classes instead, though they may perform if there is room the day of class.
  • Students must have their teacher's permission to sign up to perform in a Repertoire Class.
  • Students should have rehearsed with piano PRIOR to performing in Repertoire Class. This is not the place to get to know the piano part or your entrances.
  • You must bring your piano part if it is not in Suzuki Books 1-5 or Fun With Solos.
  • All students are expected to attend all Repertoire Classes for their level, or to come to an agreement with their private teacher on an appropriate number of classes to attend.
  • Repertoire Class faculty are encouraged to let students from other studios sign up first and have their own students perform if space is available.
  • All performers must stay for the entire class.
  • Dress for Rep classes is concert casual. No jeans, t-shirts, or athletic shoes.

How to sign up

When signing up, include the following information:

-Your name, name of piece, name of composer, name of pianist

Peabody campus (downtown): Sign up on the String Bulletin Board in the Peabody campus (downtown) Preparatory hallway or call 410-234-4630 and ask the receptionist to sign up for you.

Towson campus: Sign up on the String Board in the Towson campus lobby or call the Towson campus office at 410-825-3911 and ask the receptionist to sign up for you.

2. Guest Master Classes

Each year we invite several artists to give Guest Master Classes for the Preparatory.

Student performers are invited by the String Department Chair at the recommendation of the faculty. Flyers for Guest Master Classes will be posted on the String Bulletin Boards, on the Preparatory Strings website and distributed to faculty.

3. "Master Class Week"

Twice per semester, including the week prior to Studio Recitals in December and May, the Young People's String Program (YPSP) Group Classes and Violin Choir do not meet. Instead, all faculty hold Studio Master Classes in preparation for recitals.

This gives the faculty a chance to hear their students with the recital accompanist prior to recitals.

  • The Master Class schedule is posted on the string bulletin boards mid-semester.
  • Students go to their private teacher's Master Class instead of to their YPSP Group Class or Violin Choir during those weeks.
  • If a student cannot attend his or her teacher's Master Class, the teacher may try to make arrangements for the student to play in another faculty's class.
  • If the teacher has not heard a solid performance with piano, absence from the Master Class may result in the student not being able to perform in the Studio Recital.

Repertoire Class & Master Class Accompanists

The Preparatory pays for one staff accompanist to be at each Repertoire Class.

If you play with a different pianist on the Preparatory payroll, you may ask them to attend and the Preparatory will pay them. YOU MUST COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PIANIST AND ASK THEM TO COME. Other pianists are not required to keep every Repertoire class time free in their schedules. If they cannot come, please play with the pianist in attendance.

If no one is signed up for a Repertoire class by 12:30 pm on Saturday or 7:00 pm on Thursdays (the day of the class), the class is cancelled and the pianist and teacher will not be there.

Accompanist Rehearsals: Please read the Accompanist Guidelines on rehearsal procedures. It is also posted on our web site.

PHOTOCOPY MUSIC FOR YOUR PIANIST, AND KEEP YOUR ORIGINAL SCORE

 

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