FISP 101 – String Pedagogy and Fieldwork 1 (3)
This course is open to any string player who would like to learn the basic teaching skills and techniques that can lay a foundation for life-long learning in music. Central to the course is an in-depth survey of the pedagogical philosophy and method of Shinichi Suzuki, with additional discussion of current trends and research in 21st century String Pedagogy. Topics include: how children learn music, teaching pre-school age children, teaching beginning students privately and in groups, and building a foundation for musicianship using folk songs and hymns. Selections from Suzuki Violin School, Volume 1, Fiddle Magic, New Tunes for Strings Volume 1, and Instruments of Praise Volumes 1 and 2 will be performed, discussed and analyzed in detail. This course includes 16 hours of observation and hands-on experience with a beginning group class. (3 credit hours)
FISP 201 – String Pedagogy and Fieldwork 2 (3)
String Pedagogy 2 provides an in-depth study of the pedagogical methods of Shinichi Suzuki and Paul Rolland, as well as discussion of current trends in 21st century string pedagogy. Topics include: Priority teaching, developing a beautiful tone, establishing the fundamentals of musicianship, teaching students how to practice, and teaching the basic skills that underlie double stops, vibrato, shifting, and harmonics. Selections from Suzuki Violin School Volumes 2 and 3, New Tunes for Strings Volume 2, Devotional Melodies and various sacred arrangement and etude books will be performed, discussed, and analyzed in detail. This course includes 16 hours of observation, hands-on experience with an early-intermediate group class, and opportunities for private and group teaching. (3 credit hours)
FISP 215 – String Pedagogy Internship (0.5)
A paid field experience consisting of teaching private lessons and group classes under the supervision of music faculty. Experience includes attending weekly one-on-one meetings with internship supervisor, lesson planning, recording and analyzing teaching, and preparing students for recitals and competitions. PEDAGOGY INTERNSHIP FEE (0.5 credit hour)
FISP 301 – String Pedagogy and Fieldwork 3 (3)
String Pedagogy 3 continues the sequence of String Pedagogy 1 and 2 and covers the teaching skills and techniques necessary for teaching Suzuki Violin School Volumes 4 and 5. Topics include: Developing deep practice; bridging the gap into Suzuki Violin School Volume 4, skills for developing artistic musicianship, teaching stylistic difference in periods of music, refining intonation, expanding the use of bow and developing flexibility in bowing. Selections from Suzuki Violin School Volumes 4 and 5, Solos for Young Violinists, Instruments of Glory, and various sacred arrangement and etude books will be performed, discussed, and analyzed in detail. This course includes 16 hours of observation, hands-on experience with an intermediate level student and/or group class, and opportunities for private and group teaching. (3 credit hours)