When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Tutor Lara Bader
  • Course Code W24CCLD02B
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Develop your technique and musicianship on the violin to Grade 2 standard. Suitable for those with about 1 year experience and confident in music reading.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Play with good posture, learn how to recognise and deal with physical tension and strain
  • Demonstrate good left hand position. Play in first, second and third positions
  • Know how to control the bow in using a variety of legato and staccato strokes, improve awareness of bow distribution and use of dynamics
  • Demonstrate better intonation and tone
  • Learn preparation exercises for using vibrato
  • Play repertoire appropriate to your current standard of playing including: pieces (solo and ensemble), scales and other technical materials

Class format and activities

Playing pieces and exercises, clapping and singing. Playing individually and in a group. Listening to the tutor's demonstrations and explanations and making notes. Asking questions and participating in discussions. Keeping track of practice tasks for the coming week. You will need to follow and contribute to discussions in English. Music Study can include the use of digital resources such as listening to recordings, watching videos online, using appropriate mobile applications and following Moodle -Morley's virtual learning environment- to enhance your learning inside and outside the classroom. Music study also offers a range of benefits including being an enjoyable way to enhance wellbeing. Music practice at Morley can also serve to enhance skills relevant for employment including developing creativity, developing high-concentration levels, building self-confidence, working to deadlines, being able to control nerves and working as part of a team.

Entry requirements

This course is suitable for those with at least one year experience of playing violin, and confident in music reading.

What you need to know before you enrol

You will need to be willing and able to practise regularly outside class time (recommended minimum 20–30 mins at least four times per week). You should be particularly aware of maintaining good practice habits in order to avoid unnecessary physical strain which might lead to injury. Achievement on your course will be measured by whether you meet the learning outcomes above. Your progress towards achieving the learning outcomes will be reviewed throughout the course. At the start of the course you will have an opportunity to discuss these with your tutor and set your own personal targets, linked to the learning outcomes and future goals i.e.: progression to another course. Excellent attendance and punctuality is required from all students. This course requires study/completion of activities outside of class time.

What you need

Your violin outfit: instrument, bow, shoulder rest, rosin, cleaning cloth, tuning device, spare strings, pencil and eraser, notebook The tutor will suggest and/or provide repertoire during the course. To join this class you will need a good internet connection and computer/tablet with webcam and sound.

What you can do next

This class runs through the whole year. You may also be interested in joining the Morley String Ensemble, which is available for enrolling at any time/term. Please, ask the tutor or contact the Music Department for more information.