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

Educational Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Educational objectives: At the end of the three-year violin programme, students are expected to have acquired solid technical and artistic skills (intonation, tone production, articulation, bow technique), with particular focus on the study of primary–intermediate level solo and ensemble repertoire and the related performance practices. The programme aims to establish strong foundations in technique, repertoire, sight-reading, solo performance, and basic chamber music skills, providing preparation for further studies. Students will also develop auditory, mnemonic, and analytical abilities, 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 in-depth historical, stylistic, and aesthetic awareness.

Career opportunities:

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

1. Chamber Music Performer: Chamber music represents one of the richest and most stimulating fields for professional violinists. The programme provides students with the skills required to actively collaborate in duos, trios, quartets, and other chamber ensembles, developing listening abilities, stylistic flexibility, and ensemble awareness. Interaction with other instrumentalists becomes an opportunity for continuous artistic growth and exploration of new musical experiences.

2. Musician in Chamber Orchestras and Ensembles: Violinists trained in this programme acquire the specific skills required to perform within chamber orchestras and small ensembles. Particular attention is given to sight-reading skills, the ability to follow the conductor’s directions, and the capacity to integrate harmoniously into the collective sound of the ensemble.

3. Musician in Symphony Orchestras: The programme provides preparation for the Master’s Degree, during which students will further explore the technical and stylistic requirements of the major symphonic repertoire. The pathway systematically develops essential skills such as section playing (through an introduction to the study of principal orchestral excerpts), rhythmic precision, ensemble sound awareness, and knowledge of the great masterpieces of the orchestral repertoire.

4. Musician in Musical Theatre Orchestras: In addition to the symphonic repertoire, the programme prepares students for Master’s Degree studies focused on the world of musical theatre (opera and ballet). By providing the essential preparation for performing in these orchestras, the pathway 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 Media and Performing Arts Production: Career opportunities include roles in media and entertainment production, concert and performing arts distribution (press office, radio and television programming, promotion activities, etc.), the organisation of theatrical and musical events (festival organisation, exhibition and performance curation, cultural event consultancy, etc.), and cultural communication (educational activities, criticism, editorial work, etc.).

Expected learning outcomes:

• Technical and instrumental mastery: knowledge of violin-specific performance techniques aimed at achieving and expressing one’s personal artistic vision;
• Knowledge of the repertoire: systematic study of instrumental technique and the most representative solo and ensemble repertoire, with a focus on primary and intermediate-level works;
• Chamber and orchestral skills: ability to interact effectively within differently structured musical groups, developing ensemble awareness and collaborative skills;
• Perceptive and mnemonic development: enhancement of critical listening skills and repertoire memorisation abilities;
• 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 responses 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 reference to the specific instrumental field.

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

Course Requirements Related to the Main Instrument

• Entry requirements: an admission audition is required, including an assessment of basic technique, talent, and artistic potential, and, in some cases, a theory test.
• Upper secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification;
• General content (according to the three-year study plan): includes scales and arpeggios, études/caprices, solo repertoire, chamber music sonatas, and concertos.

Teaching Methods and Assessment

Teaching methods: Individual face-to-face lessons.

Assessment methods:

Practical examination (solo recital)

• Main requirements: performance of at least two works by different composers, including at least one movement from one or more Concertos (from Mozart to 20th-century repertoire) and one or more pieces selected from the solo repertoire.
• Duration: typically 30–40 minutes of effective performance time (according to standard three-year programme practice).

Oral examination

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