Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts and Music L-3 – Cello

Educational Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Educational objectives: At the end of the three-year Cello programme, students are expected to have acquired solid technical and artistic skills (intonation, tone production, articulation, and bowing techniques), with particular attention to the study of solo repertoire at elementary–intermediate level, ensemble repertoire, and the related performance practices. The programme aims to build strong foundations in technique, repertoire, sight-reading, solo performance, and basic chamber music, while providing preparation for further academic studies. Students will also develop auditory, memory, and analytical skills, together with knowledge of the compositional and organisational models of music. Particular importance is given to postural and emotional control, as well as to the acquisition of an in-depth historical, stylistic, and aesthetic understanding.

Career opportunities:

• Preparation for careers as ensemble musicians, teachers, professional musicians, or for continuation towards a Master’s Degree programme. The course may form an integral part of an academic pathway.

1. 1. Chamber Music Performer: Chamber music represents one of the richest and most stimulating fields for professional cellists. The programme provides students with the necessary skills to actively collaborate in duos, trios, quartets, and other chamber formations, developing listening abilities, stylistic flexibility, and ensemble awareness. Interaction with other musicians becomes an opportunity for continuous artistic growth and exploration of new musical experiences.
   2. Chamber Orchestra Performer: Students trained within this programme acquire the specific skills required to perform in chamber orchestras and small ensembles. Particular attention is given to sight-reading skills, following the conductor’s indications, and integrating effectively into the collective sound of the ensemble.
   3. Symphony Orchestra Performer: The programme provides preparation for the Master’s Degree, during which the technical and stylistic requirements of the major symphonic repertoire will be further explored. The course systematically develops essential skills such as sectional work, an introduction to the study of major orchestral excerpts, rhythmic precision, ensemble sound quality, and knowledge of the great orchestral masterpieces.
   4. Musical Theatre Orchestra Performer: In addition to the symphonic repertoire, the programme prepares students for the Master’s Degree and for the world of musical theatre (opera and ballet). By providing the essential preparation required to perform in theatre orchestras, the course develops stylistic versatility, physical endurance, and the ability to collaborate with different theatrical professionals, enriching the musician’s profile with highly applicable professional skills.
   5. Employment in Media Production and Performing Arts: (producer), concert and performance distribution (press officer, radio and television programme planner, promotion specialist, etc.), organisation of theatrical and musical events (festival organiser, exhibition and performance curator, cultural event consultant, etc.), and cultural dissemination (educator, critic, editor, etc.).

Expected learning outcomes:

• Instrumental technical mastery: knowledge of the specific performance techniques of the Cello, aimed at achieving one’s personal artistic vision;
• Repertoire knowledge: systematic study of the technique and the most representative solo and ensemble repertoire for the instrument, focusing on elementary and intermediate-level repertoire;
• Chamber and orchestral skills: ability to interact effectively within different musical ensembles, developing ensemble awareness and collaborative skills;
• Perceptive and memory development: enhancement of critical listening and repertoire memorisation skills;
• Theoretical and analytical skills: acquisition of knowledge relating to compositional and analytical models in music and their interaction with performance practice;
• Postural and emotional control: adoption of specific techniques for managing posture and emotional response during study and public performance;
• Historical and aesthetic awareness: in-depth knowledge of the stylistic, historical, and aesthetic aspects of music, both from a general perspective and with specific reference to the instrumental field.

This document is subject to updates by the Professor responsible for the course.

Main Instrument Course Requirements

• Prerequisites: an entrance audition is required, including an assessment of basic technique, talent, and potential; in some cases, a music theory test may also be required.
• Upper secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification;
• General content (from the three-year study plan): includes scales/arpeggios, studies/caprices, solo repertoire, chamber sonatas, and concertos.

Teaching Methods and Assessments

Teaching methods: Individual one-to-one lessons.

Assessment methods:

Practical examination (solo recital)

• Main requirements: performance of at least two pieces by different composers, including at least one or more movements from a Concerto (from Haydn to the 20th century) and one or more pieces chosen from the solo repertoire.
• Duration: typically 30–40 minutes of actual music performance (based on standard three-year programme practice).

Oral examination

• Main requirements: preparation and brief discussion of a written dissertation (thesis) on a topic agreed upon with a supervising Professor.