Courses

Elective and Secondary String Lessons

The String Department offers elective and secondary instrument lessons to Music majors and Non-Music majors interested in studying Violin, Viola, Cello, or Double Bass. Lessons are taught once a week by the appointed AI's of each instrument, and are open to students of all levels with a desire to start or develop previous abilities. Instruments can be rented and loaned through the Instrument Rental Office on the fourth floor of the Music Annex for students unable to bring an instrument to school.

Enrollment in elective and secondary lessons can be started by searching the Registar's IU Course Catalog for MUS-S and MUS-Z for Music and Non-Music majors, respectively. Lessons begin at the start of each semester; questions and concerns can be directed to Simin Ganatra.

Courses offered by the String Department

Please check the Schedule of Classes for course offerings each semester and consult individual course entries in this schedule for information on course prerequisites and corequisites.

For String Performance Study courses (lessons, masterclass, and recitals), please click here.

MUS E303 - Violin/Viola Pedagogy I

Learning the skills to teach beginning violin or viola students through lectures, observation of private and group lessons, and teaching children under the supervision of the instructor. Paper on a topic from the course.

MUS E304 - Violin/Viola Pedagogy II

Learning to teach shifting, vibrato, and bow strokes, and exploring the repertoire of young violinists and violists. Course includes lectures, observation of private and group lessons, and teaching children under the supervision of the instructor. Paper on a topic from the course.

MUS E306 - Cello Pedagogy

Comparisons of cello methods and materials, study of right-hand and left-hand techniques, observation of teaching, and practical experience teaching private and class lessons. Paper on a topic from the course.

MUS E315 - Double Bass Pedagogy

Study of techniques, practitioners, and scope of double bass pedagogy from the 18th century to the present. Weekly discussion topics; two papers required.

MUS E503 - Violin/Viola Pedagogy I

MUS E504 - Violin/Viola Pedagogy II

MUS E505 - Violin/Viola Pedagogy III

Extended work and independent projects in violin and viola pedagogy. Paper and lecture on a topic from the course.

MUS E506 - Cello Pedagogy

MUS E515 - Double Bass Pedagogy

Study of techniques, practitioners, and scope of double bass pedagogy from the 18th century to the present. Weekly discussion topics; two papers required.

MUS M469 - Seminar in String Quartet Literature

Performance-based survey of chamber music literature from Haydn to present. Six seminal works will be covered per semester. Permission of instructor required. Only pre-formed ensembles registered in chamber music can apply. May be repeated.

MUS M550 - Doctoral String Literature

Solo repertoire and chamber music for string instruments.

MUS M665 - Survey of Violin/Viola Literature I

Baroque and Classic.

MUS M666 - Survey of Violin/Viola Literature II

Romantic to present.

MUS M667 - Survey of Cello Literature I

Baroque and Classic.

MUS M668 - Survey of Cello Literature II

Romantic to present.

MUS M669 - Seminar in String Quartet Literature

Performance based survey of chamber music literature from Haydn to present. Six seminal works will be covered per semester. Permission of instructor required. Only pre-formed ensembles registered in chamber music can apply. May be repeated.

MUS U274 - History of Violin Making I

Seminar in the history and literature of string instrument technology. Study of the manufacture and repair of string instruments from the earliest time to the present, with emphasis on the work of the master luthiers. Outside readings. Three hours of class per week.

MUS U275 - History of Violin Making II

MUS U305 - String Instrument Repair

String instrument maintenance and repair. For music education students.

MUS U470 - Violin Repair I-II-III-IV

Study and practice of string instrument technology, including general repairs done from outside the instrument, bow refurbishing, and use of hand and power tools. Fifteen hours instruction and laboratory per week. III-IV. Advanced study and practice of string instrument technology, including general and major repair done after an instrument has been opened, instrument acoustics, and related topics. Fifteen hours instruction and laboratory per week.

**MUS X91 - String Repair Technical Crew

Required of all string instrument technology majors. Supervised execution of repair and maintenance techniques for string instruments.