Syllabus
Cello lessons: elective course
Instructor: Greg Nelson
Contact info: ganelson2@gmail.com
(612) 205-4752
Course description: Applied lessons in cello are designed to improve your confidence and ability level in areas of instrumental technique and overall musicianship. While this improvement is expected the main goal of the course is that you gain a greater understanding and appreciation for music in general, it is understood that this will be achieved through a mutual commitment to the course material (e.g. repertoire studied) by both teacher and student.
Expectations:
- Be present: Be on time to your weekly lessons (as will I). If there is reason for tardiness please try to let me know at least an hour before hand as that is about the amount of time it takes for my commute. I will show you the same courtesy.
- Be prepared: It is expected that you will practice at least 15 minutes a day, (not very much at all right? Please feel free to practice more than the expected amount). I suggest that you stick to this plan as opposed to trying to cram all of your practice into one session.
- Play in public at least once/semester: I know that it’s scary to play in front of people but it is what all musicians do for a living and it only gets easier if you do it alot. There will be opportunities to play in front of the studio class of your peers at least three times per semester.
Assessments: Your grade will be mostly based on attendance, each student will receive one unexcused absence and after that it will be a reduction of one letter gradation (e.g. A –> A- –> B+ etc…) Unexcused tardiness will count as ½ absence. Another not so significant part of your grade will be how well prepared you are for your lessons and juries (e.g. do you show any improvement).
Juries: Your jury will consist of a short solo piece played in front of the entire string faculty, all of three of us. Dr. Judish, Dr. O’Bryant and myself will be listening to you play whatever you feel you have worked on the most during the semester. These performances have minimal effect on grades but it’s a good time to show the other faculty members what you’ve learned during the semester.
Communication: As I stated in my introductory email, please do get to know your fellow cellists they will be a good source of information and help. You all play the same instrument you will most likely run into similar problems and although I will help to the best of my abilities sometimes six heads are better than two. Also feel free to let me know if something about the course is bugging you or if you need me to address something. If you do not feel comfortable speaking with me then please find another faculty member to speak with, nobody should have to silently suffer through this course.
