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

Educational Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Educational objectives: At the end of the three-year programme, students are expected to have acquired solid technical and artistic skills specifically related to ensemble performance (quality of sound blending, intonation, shared articulation, and balance between strings and piano), with particular attention to the study of chamber music repertoire at elementary–intermediate level and the related performance practices. The programme aims to develop strong foundations in ensemble coordination, score reading, and knowledge of repertoire for string formations and mixed ensembles with piano. Students will also develop listening skills (mutual awareness), analytical abilities, and shared leadership skills, together with knowledge of compositional models. Particular importance is given to non-verbal communication during performance, as well as to the acquisition of an in-depth historical, stylistic, and aesthetic understanding.

Career opportunities:

• Preparation for careers as ensemble musicians, members of established quartets or trios, orchestra performers, teachers, 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 the essence of musical collaboration. The programme provides students with the skills required to actively perform in duos (e.g. violin/piano, cello/piano), string trios, piano trios, string quartets, and quintets, developing empathetic listening, stylistic flexibility, sound balance, and ensemble awareness. Interaction with other musicians becomes an opportunity for continuous artistic growth.
   2. Chamber Orchestra Performer: Students trained within this programme acquire the specific skills required to perform in chamber orchestras and string ensembles. Particular attention is given to sight-reading, achieving sound unity within the section (bowing techniques, vibrato), and integrating effectively into the collective sound of the ensemble, including formations without a conductor.
   3. Performer in Mixed and Contemporary Ensembles: In addition to Classical and Romantic repertoire, the programme prepares students to approach mixed ensembles and modern repertoire. By providing the essential skills required to perform complex scores, the course develops stylistic versatility, rapid ensemble coordination, and the ability to solve rhythmic and intonation challenges, enriching the musician’s profile with highly applicable professional competencies.

Expected learning outcomes:

• Ensemble instrumental mastery: knowledge of performance techniques aimed at achieving a collective artistic vision;
• Repertoire knowledge: systematic study of the most representative chamber music repertoire for string ensembles and for strings with piano, focusing on elementary and intermediate-level repertoire;
• Chamber music skills: ability to interact effectively within musical groups, developing ensemble sensitivity, shared breathing, and collaborative skills;
• Perceptive and analytical development: enhancement of critical multi-perspective listening skills and the ability to read and understand the complete score, not only one’s own part;
• Theoretical and ensemble coordination skills: acquisition of effective methodologies for rehearsal management and for solving technical and interpretative issues within the group;
• Communication and emotional awareness: adoption of specific techniques for visual and gestural communication during public performance;
• Historical and aesthetic awareness: in-depth knowledge of the stylistic, historical, and aesthetic aspects of chamber music.

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

Course Requirements Related to the Main Instrument

• Prerequisites: an entrance examination in the form of an audition is required to assess instrumental technical level, aptitude for ensemble performance, talent, and potential.
• Upper secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• General content (from the three-year study plan): includes the study of sonatas for string instruments and piano, trios, string quartets, and mixed ensembles (e.g. piano quintet), ranging from Classical repertoire (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven) to Romantic (Schubert, Schumann, Brahms) and contemporary repertoire, with a focus on ensemble coordination techniques.

Teaching Methods and Assessment

Teaching methods: Practical ensemble lessons (group coaching).

Assessment methods:

• Practical examination (chamber music recital)
  • Main requirements: performance of at least two pieces (or significant movements) by composers from different periods and styles (e.g. a movement from a Classical Quartet/Trio and a piece from the Romantic/modern repertoire), demonstrating ensemble cohesion, intonation, and collective interpretative maturity.
  • Duration: typically 30/40 minutes of effective performance time (based on standard three-year programme practice).

• Oral examination
  • Main requirements: preparation and brief discussion of a written paper (thesis) on an analytical, historical, or interpretative topic related to the chamber music repertoire studied, agreed upon with a supervising Professor.