NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

BIENEN SCHOOL OF MUSIC

UNDERGRADUATE CHAMBER MUSIC SYLLABUS

CONDUCT 391-0, SEC 20 and 21

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course is intended for students to:

• Develop musical and technical skills to function and contribute successfully in a

small ensemble setting.
• Gain a broader understanding and knowledge of general chamber music
repertoire.
• Learn to successfully rehearse and perform repertoire in public.
• Study chamber music with the world-renowned faculty of the Bienen School.

BASICS

• All students must be enrolled in chamber music to participate in a group.

• Groups must be comprised of three or more people (duos by special permission
only).
• Please limit your group participation to two groups. Freshmen and Sophomores
may only play in one group except by permission of the chamber music
coordinator.
• If you are in more than one group, you must be enrolled in chamber music for
each group and submit the questionnaire for each group.
• Groups must stay together for the year. Any exceptions will be made only with the
permission of the coach and chamber music coordinator.

REPERTOIRE

• Fall Quarter*: Classical Repertoire (1770-1810)

• Winter Quarter*: Romantic Repertoire (1811-1900)
• Spring Quarter: Modern (1900-1950) or Contemporary (1950-present)
* Exceptions applied pending repertoire restrictions and the consent of your coach.

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REQUIREMENTS

• Groups must receive a total of 7 hours of coaching per quarter.

• Class Attendance: You must attend 5 events per quarter. Only those events
listed on CANVAS will be accepted for class credit. These include: Tuesday
Chamber Classes and master classes.
• Perform 1 time each quarter. Options include: Chamber Classes, Chamber
Music Master Classes or the Chamber Music Showcase (by permission only).
All signup forms and information can be found on CANVAS.
• Attendance is mandatory for 1 Chamber Music Showcase performance per
quarter. If your group performs in a Showcase and you stay for the entire event you will
be given 1 attendance credit and 1 performance credit.

GRADING

There are no Incompletes (Y) given for this course except under unique/emergency
circumstances. Any grade changes must be executed through the University’s official
grade appeal process. See Dr. Jacobs for appeals.

• Your coach will assess your attendance, preparation, overall attitude, progress,
and professionalism. Individual grades within a group may vary based on each
individual’s work.

O NO FINAL GRADE SHALL EXCEED THE GRADE SUBMITTED BY

YOUR COACH

• Your final grade is a combination of your class attendance and the grade
submitted by your coach (45% class attendance/55% coaching grade). This
grade can be reduced by additional factors listed below.
1. Failure to meet performance requirements: -10%
2. Failure to attend a Chamber Music Showcase: -5%
3. Late registration/non-registration: -5%
4. Any missed deadlines, late or incomplete submissions of
forms/paperwork: -5%
5. Use of electronic devices in classes or concerts: -5%
6. Failure to commit to a performance date: automatic F for course

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CREATING YOUR CHAMBER GROUP

All students must complete a questionnaire each quarter to participate in chamber

music. The questionnaires are forms used to give the coordinator your contact
information and your plans for group placement. There are clearly marked deadlines on
these forms. Late questionnaires will not be considered.

o Fall Quarter is the only quarter in which we accept applications for the
current quarter. This is also the only quarter in which you may apply as a
single, unmatched performer. We will do our best to place you in an
appropriate group but cannot guarantee your placement.
o For the Winter and Spring Quarters, questionnaires will be available at end
of the preceding quarter.
• Groups and coach assignments will be posted on CANVAS.
• *See addendum regarding mixed groups.
O DO NOT SECURE YOUR O WN COACH.
• Select a contact person within your group. This person will serve as a liaison
between your group and your coach.
• Contact your assigned coach to set up your 7 coachings.
• Learn your music and rehearse at least 2 hours per week. Music may be found in
the Deering Library (see addendum) or in Regenstein Room 243 through Professor
Grimm.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUN ITIES

All chamber music performance dates, classes, and signups are available on CANVAS.

Chamber Music Showcase

To perform in the Chamber Music Showcases, groups must have accomplished a high level
of technical proficiency and musicianship. You must secure the recommendation of your
coach.

Tuesday Classes and Master Classes

Check CANVAS for an updated master class schedule.

Community Engagement/Outreach
Though not required, we encourage students to participate in community engagement.
Refer to CANVAS for information and applications.

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SPRING QUARTER ONLY

Honors Chamber Music Showcase

Once a year, the Bienen School of Music recognizes students who demonstrate the highest
standards of professionalism in their chamber music pursuits. Groups warranting this
distinction are presented at the annual Chamber Music Honors Showcase.

• Eligible groups are nominated by the chamber music faculty based on

commitment, technical mastery, and artistic strength. Groups must have been
together for at least two quarters and preference will be given to upper class
students. Due to timing constraints, partial works are often presented. All
repertoire must be sanctioned by your coach.
• In addition, a single group will be selected as the Outstanding Chamber Ensemble
for the year. This will be based on the performance at the Honors Chamber Music
Showcase. The winning group will be noted in the annual convocation booklet, if
there are members who are in the graduating class. Additionally, the winning
group’s prize-winning performance will be featured on a WFMT broadcast.
• In all matters relating to the Honors Recital and the selection of the Outstanding
Chamber Ensemble, the decision of the Chamber Music Coordinator will be final.
May Festival
May Festival is an annual celebration of chamber music at the Bienen School and includes:
• Extended Performance Forums
• Honors Showcase Recital (see above)
• Student/faculty performance collaborations

PERFORMANCE REQUIREM ENTS

Program notes
All groups must prepare 1 minute of spoken program notes for any performance
within the chamber music program. Program notes should give your audience some
background material on your piece and point out unique aspects and challenges of your
chosen piece. Notes cannot be plagiarized from existing sources, and should not be
read from a written statement.

Failure to commit to a performance

Once you have applied to perform for any concert date or class, consider it a professional
obligation. Failure to remain committed to a performance date except under emergency
circumstances will result in an ‘F’ for the quarter. Communicate with your colleagues to
clear all dates in advance.

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 Dress code - Performance Showcase and Community Engagement
Wear appropriate attire signifying the seriousness of the event.
• Men: Suit or button-down shirt (tucked in), pants, belt, nice shoes (no gym shoes).
• Women: Nice pants, dress, or outfit. No jeans, open toed sandals, bare midriff,
sleeveless tops, or low-cut blouses.
SECURING YOUR ATTEND ANCE CREDIT

SHOWC ASE RECITALS AND MASTER CLASSES

Obtain an attendance card before the program begins. Sign this card and submit it to the
presiding GA at the conclusion of the recital. Securing your attendance is your own
responsibility and must be done according to these requirements. We do not give credit
for late arrivals or early departures! Be on time!

TUESDAY CLASSES
Please see the graduate assistants located at the entrance of MCR before the start of the
class in order to secure your attendance credit. We allow a five-minute grace period for
students with difficult commutes between classes. After the five-minute grace period, no
attendance will be accepted. If there is no GA waiting outside MCR or GALVIN to take your
attendance, you will not receive the credit. Be on time!

OUTSIDE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES AND CO MPETITIONS

The Bienen School of Music supports and encourages students to participate in chamber
music competitions as well as performance opportunities. Events and opportunities will be
posted on CANVAS.

CONTACTS

WIND/BRASS COORDINATOR: Leslie Grimm <l-grimm@northwestern.edu>

O WIND/BRASS GRADUATE ASSISTANTS:

* Michelle Zarco, <MichelleZarco2019@u.northwestern.edu>
* Justin Ruleman JustinRuleman2020@u.northwestern.edu
* Samantha Bittle <SamanthaBittle2020@u.northwestern.edu>

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ADDENDUM

1. Addendum for mixed groups:

Mixed Groups that are comprised of a majority of string players vs. wind players will be
placed in the String Chamber Music Section and will work under the syllabus and direction
supplied by Prof. Ruhstrat. Questions? See Professor Grimm

2. Addendum Regarding Securing Your Music At The Deering Library

The stacks that house the majority of solo, duo, and chamber music are only available to
patrons by request. You may need extra time in requesting music. Also, the orchestra
library does not house any chamber music.