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NEC Summer School: College/Adult Courses
Strings, Chamber Music
- Baroque Cello Workshop
- String Chamber Music for Adults
- Violin for Adult Beginners
- Violin Come-Back
- Music and the Violinist's Techniques
Baroque Cello Workshop
Susanne Friedrich
Session I: June 9-18(four meetings)
MW: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Session II: June 23-July 2 (four meetings)
MW: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Bring your modern cello (or your baroque cello, if you have one) to this workshop-style class, and prepare a movement or two of a baroque sonata or of one of Bach’s Suites. We will explore baroque articulation, phrasing, and bow techniques, playing for each other and accompanying each other. For intermediate to advanced cellists. Note: Please contact the Summer School Director at 617-585-1126 to arrange an informational interview with the instructor by Monday, May 26 for Session I; Monday, June 9 for Session II.
Non-credit: $190
String Chamber Music for Adults
Susanne Friedrich
Session I: June 10-June 19 (four meetings)
TuTh: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Session II: June 24-July 3 (four meetings)
TuTh: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Get together with like-minded adults to play string chamber music in a non-competitive setting, learn the skills you need to play in a group, and acquaint yourself with the string chamber music repertoire. Individual performers and pre-formed groups welcome. For intermediate level string players. Note: Please call the Summer School Director at 617-585-1126 to arrange an informational interview with the instructor by Tuesday May 27 for Session I; Tueday, June 10 for Session II.
Non-credit: $190
Violin for Adult Beginners
Dubravka Sajfar, Instructor
June 11-July 2
W: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
If you've always wanted to play the violin but did not have a chance, this class will help you take that first step. Under gentle and effective guidanceof an experienced instructor, you will learn the technical basics in a fun and easy way. Bring your (playable) violin and music notebook - and meet others who share the same interest. Prerequisite: Call the instructor at 617-969-5010 for further information.
Limit: 6 players.
Non-credit: $110
Violin Come-Back
Dubravka Sajfar, Instructor
June 11-July 2
W: 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Did you play violin as a child and now wish to return to it? This refresher course will help you pick up where you left and acquire more technique. Recommended for those with interest in playing with community orchestras and amateur chamber groups. Prerequisite: Call the instructor at 617-969-5010 for further information.
Limit: 4 players.
Non-credit: $110
Music and the Violinist's Techniques
Vera Rubin
June 23-July 24 (five weeks; fifteen meetings*)
MWTh: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
This five-week course covers five topics of interest to the developing and professional violinist. Each week (three meetings) addresses a different topic. Note: Students may register for the complete course for 2 School of Continuing Education credits; those wishing to receive 1 SCE credit may choose three (3) of the five sessions. Students wishing to take the course for non-credit may sign up for one to five sessions. The schedule of topics:
Week I: Tone Production Quality in the Performance of Stringed Instruments
June 23, 25, 26 (three meetings)
MWTh: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
For students 14 years old up to adult professionals and violin/viola teachers. Exercises for sound enhancement, an analysis of bow construction, and an explanation of the use of different bow parts for optimal sound production. The week will include a demonstration/definition of the string-crossing and chords technique.
Week II: The Left Hand Technique - Relaxation and Virtuosity Training
June 30, July 2, 3 (three meetings)
MWTh: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
For students 14 years old to adult professionals. This course is dedicated to the left hand technique only and addresses the fingers, articulation and speeding exercises, improvement of shifting technique, and vibrato relaxation and development.
Week III: Posture - Relaxation and the Relationship between Player and Instrument
July 7, 9, 10 (three meetings)
MWTh: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
For students 14 years old to adult professionals. This course will define the optimal way to determine the optimal angle of holding the violin. We will discuss the dependence of each hand on the other and the way the hands support the instrument while remaining relaxed. The course will involve students in the discussion of the best selection of individual postures for shoulder and chin rests.
Week IV: The Essential Bow Skills and Development of Virtuoso Bow Strokes (spiccato, sautillé, "on-string" staccato, flying staccato, and ricochet)
July 14, 16, 17 (three meetings)
MWTh: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
For college students and professionals. The classes cover all basic strokes and the bow parts appropriate for each and will include a number of studies and exercises targeting the development of each stroke. We will offer descriptions of the virtuoso strokes and suggest ways to develop each technique. Every session includes demonstrations; student participation is welcome.
Week V: Baroque and Modern Bows: A Practical Analysis
July 21, 23, 24 (three meetings)
MWTh: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
For college students and adult professionals. A comparative analysis of Baroque and Modern bows and the sound production of different bow strokes in the performance of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven styles. We will illustrate the major differences in the construction of violin bows through history (starting with the Lully, Bach, Vivaldi, Transitional, and Modern Bows). We will discuss essential tips for correct bow division while preparing for solo performance and orchestra audition repertoire of the above-mentioned composers. (We will also focus on mistakes typically made on the Modern Bow due to not being familiar with Baroque Bow structure.)
Note: students must have a high-school diploma in order to earn SCE credit in a Summer School course.
2 SCE credits: $1000 (all five weeks)*
1 SCE credit: $600 (three weeks)*
Non-credit tuition: $145/week
(Five sessions: $725; four sessions: $580; three sessions: $435; two sessions: $290; one session: $145)