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Fundamentals of Rehearsing Music Ensembles

Approx. 22 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course explores the world of music ensembles, covering a range of topics from choosing instruments to performing live. Students will learn about different types of ensembles and gain practical experience through hands-on activities and performances.

Key Learning Points

Discover the different types of music ensembles and their unique characteristics
Learn how to choose the right instruments and how to create a cohesive sound
Develop practical skills through hands-on activities and performances

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

- USA: $45,000 - $80,000
- USA: $45,000 - $80,000
- USA: $50,000 - $100,000
- USA: $45,000 - $80,000
- USA: $50,000 - $100,000
- USA: $20,000 - $100,000

Learning Outcomes

Understand the different types of music ensembles and their characteristics
Develop practical skills in choosing instruments and creating a cohesive sound
Gain experience performing live as part of a music ensemble

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

A basic understanding of music theory
Access to musical instruments or equipment

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Interactive

Similar Courses

Music Production Fundamentals
Guitar for Beginners

Related Education Paths

Certificate in Music Education

Notable People in This Field

Andrea Bocelli
Yo-Yo Ma

Related Books

Description

Learn and practice the basic principles of running an effective music ensemble rehearsal. Techniques and strategies are applicable to a variety of ensembles, including bands, orchestras, choirs, and chamber groups.

Outline

An Introduction to Rehearsing
Introduction
What Do We Do in Rehearsals?
What Skills Do We Need?
Calibrating Your Ears
Serving as the Composer’s Advocate
A Choral Perspective: The Rehearsal Process
An Orchestral Perspective: Three Categories of Conducting
Introduction to Conducting
Basic Set-Up
Conducting without a Baton
Baton Grip
Basic Patterns
Active and Passive Beats
Starting Pieces
Ending Pieces
The Ensembles that Appear in this Course
Macro-Micro-Macro: The Basic Process
Examples of Macro-Micro-Macro: Breaking Things Down
A Choral Perspective: Teaching Notes
Rehearsal Demos: Macro-Micro-Macro
Conclusion
Module 1 Quiz

Communicating with the Ensemble
Introduction
Finding Quality
Choosing Repertoire: The Musical Meal
A Choral and Orchestral Perspective: Repertoire
Count-offs: Additional Ways to Begin a Piece
Rehearsal Examples: Starting on Various Beats within a Measure
Stopping the Group
Changing the Size of the Pattern Based on the Music
Introduction to Rehearsal Segments
Directing People's Attention in Rehearsal
Who, Where, What / Measure Numbers / "Count with Me"
Using "I" and "We"
Insisting on What You Want
Strategies for Communicating Musical Ideas
Communicating with Various Modes of Instruction
A Choral and Orchestral Perspective (Multiple Topics)
Conclusion
Module 2 Quiz

Introducing the Rehearsal Toolkit
Introduction
Introduction to Left Hand Technique: Statue and Mirroring
More Left Hand Technique: Statue, Mirroring, and Independence
Demos of the Left Hand in Rehearsal
Showing Dynamics and Dynamic Changes
The Importance of Technique as a Foundation
The Rehearsal Toolkit: Rhythm
Teaching Subdivision: Filling in the Rests
Thinking in Rhythmic Subdivisions
“Playing” without Sound: Active Resting and Handoffs
Working with Contrasting Rhythmic Layers
Cleaning Up Sloppy Entrances
Rests as Elements of Expression
Rushing
Meter, Accents, and Perception
Rhythmic Compression
A Choral and Orchestral Perspective: Rhythm
Multi-Purpose Techniques
Rehearsal Demos: Bopping Part I
Rehearsal Demos: Bopping Part II
Rehearsal Demos: Using Singing
Rehearsal Demos: Slowing Down the Tempo for Rhythm and Accuracy
Rehearsal Demos: Slowing Down the Tempo for Intonation and Balance
Rehearsal Demos: Slowing Down the Tempo for Articulation and Style
Conclusion
Module 3 Quiz

Articulation, Balance, and Tone
Introduction
Score Study
Applying Your Score Study
A Choral and Orchestral Perspective: Score Study
Applying Score Study to a Rehearsal
Cues
Conducting Articulations: Legato
Conducting Articulations: Two Variations on Legato
Conducting Articulations: Staccato and Accents
Conducting Fermatas and Rubato
Specific Choral Conducting Techniques
Specific String Conducting Techniques
Review: Two Themes of the Course
Exaggerating Style and Expressive Details
The Vocabulary of Articulation
Articulation: Accentuation through Emphasis and De-Emphasis
Bopping for Articulation
Developing a Legato Style
19th-Century Style with 21st-Century Ensembles
Additional Articulation Techniques
A Choral Perspective: Articulation and Diction
An Orchestral Perspective: String Articulation and Bowing
Balance and Tone
A Choral & Orchestral Perspective: Balance and Tone
Working with Dissonance
Using the Piano to Demonstrate Complex Harmonies
Where to Begin When You Don’t Know Where to Begin
Conclusion
Module 4 Quiz

Phrasing
Introduction
Score Marking
An Orchestral Perspective: Score Marking
Caesura Fermatas
Release-in-Tempo Fermatas
Continuation Fermatas
Introduction to Phrasing
Conducting Phrases
Phrasing: Shaping a Melody
Shaping an Accompaniment
Four-Measure Phrases
Phrasing and Accentuating Rhythmic Accompaniment Lines
Trade-offs: Matching Style and Musicianship
Smoothing Melodic Leaps and Developing a Legato Sound
More Phrasing Ideas
Chamber Group Mentality within the Large Ensemble
Orchestral Perspective: Phrasing
Working on Dynamic Contrasts
Emphasizing Style and Dynamic Changes
Dynamics vs. Orchestration
Conservation of Dynamics: Creating the Illusion of a Longer Crescendo Through Micro Crescendos
Bringing Out Melodic Details: Contrapuntal Dynamics
Improving Crescendos and the Subito Piano
Refining the Fortepiano
A Choral and Orchestral Perspective: Dynamics
Conclusion
Module 5 Quiz

Accompanimental Conducting and Intonation
Introduction
Planning Rehearsals
Communicating the Rehearsal Plan to the Group
Using Recordings in Rehearsal
Accompanimental Conducting
An Orchestral Perspective: Accompanimental Conducting Issues
Additional Issues for Conducting Soloists: Float & Drop, Over-conducting!
Working with an Accompanist
Overtones, Temperaments, and Drones
General Tips for Improving Intonation
Addressing Intonation Issues
Additional Rehearsal Techniques for Improving Intonation: Part I
Additional Rehearsal Techniques for Improving Intonation: Part II
Additional Thoughts About Intonation
A Choral Perspective: Intonation
An Orchestral Perspective: Intonation
Set-up Strategies
Using Your Voice in Rehearsal
Health issues: Protecting Your Ears
Podium Talk
Conclusion
Biographies
Additional Resources
Module 6 Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the world of music ensembles with this comprehensive course on Coursera. Students have given this course high praises for its engaging content and knowledgeable instructors. One key aspect that many users thought was good is the opportunity to learn from experienced musicians and gain hands-on experience through ensemble playing.