Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts and Music (L-3) – Viola

Educational Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Educational objectives: At the end of the three-year Viola programme, students must have acquired solid technical and artistic skills (intonation, sound, articulation, bowing), with particular attention to the study of solo repertoire of primary–intermediate level, ensemble repertoire, and the related performance practices. The programme aims to build solid foundations in technique, repertoire, sight-reading, solo performance, and basic chamber music, as well as preparing students for further studies. It also includes the development of auditory, memory, and analytical skills, together with knowledge of compositional and organisational models in music. Great importance is also given to postural and emotional control, as well as to the acquisition of an in-depth historical, stylistic, and aesthetic preparation.

Career opportunities:

• Preparation for careers as an ensemble musician, teacher, foundational-level musician, or continuation with a Master’s degree. It may be an integral part of an academic pathway.

1. Chamber Music Performer: Chamber music represents one of the richest and most stimulating fields for the professional violist. The course provides the necessary tools to actively collaborate within duos, trios, quartets, and other chamber ensembles, developing listening skills, stylistic flexibility, and ensemble awareness. Interaction with other musicians becomes an opportunity for continuous artistic growth and openness to new musical experiences.
2. Performer in Chamber Orchestra Ensembles: The violist trained in this programme acquires the specific skills required to join chamber orchestras and small ensembles. Particular attention is given to sight-reading ability, following the conductor’s directions, and integrating harmoniously into the collective sound of the ensemble.
3. Performer in Symphony Orchestra Ensembles: The course provides preparation for the Master’s degree programme, during which the technical and stylistic requirements of the great symphonic repertoire will be addressed. The programme systematically develops essential skills such as the ability to work within a section (an introduction to the study of the main orchestral excerpts), rhythmic precision, care for ensemble sound, and knowledge of the great orchestral masterpieces.
4. Performer in Musical Theatre Orchestra Ensembles: In addition to the symphonic repertoire, the course prepares students for the Master’s degree programme and to face the world of musical theatre (opera and ballet). By providing the essential preparation required to perform in these orchestras, the programme develops stylistic versatility, physical endurance, and the ability to collaborate with the various professionals involved in theatrical productions, enriching the musician’s profile with highly valuable professional skills.
5. Employment in the field of media and performing arts production: (producer), concert and entertainment distribution (press officer, radio and television programmer, 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:

• Technical and instrumental mastery: knowledge of the specific performance techniques of the Viola, aimed at expressing one’s personal artistic vision;
• Repertoire knowledge: systematic study of the technique and the most representative solo and ensemble repertoire of the instrument, focusing on primary and intermediate difficulty repertoire;
• Chamber and orchestral skills: ability to interact effectively within musical groups of different compositions, developing ensemble sensitivity and a collaborative spirit;
• Perceptive and memory development: enhancement of critical listening skills and repertoire memorisation abilities;
• Theoretical and analytical skills: acquisition of knowledge related 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 emotions 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 chosen instrumental pathway.

Course information 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 Stamitz 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.