Paris
Instrumental Music Performance

The Music and Culture Seminar is a multifaceted course aimed at understanding the unique position of music, and more generally, all of the arts in Paris. This class combines lectures and master classes by professional musicians with an exploration of the cultural monuments and venues of Paris. Guided lectures by LEXIA Paris Resident Director Ludmilla Barrand in the major art museums and architectural monuments will be complemented by attendance to music concerts and music exhibitions at the Cité de la Musique, a three day excursion to the historic city of Dijon in the heart of Bourgogne, and other seasonal cultural events in and around Paris.

Interspersed with this daily immersion in French life and culture, students will have direct exposure to the unique professional musical life in France through their work with such internationally recognized chamber music masters as Guy Danel, of the world famous Quatuor Danel (www.quatuordanel.eu/), Eric Robberecht (Quatuor Ensor and Orchestre Theatre de la Monnaie), Maestro Steven Crawford, internationally recognized operatic artist-coaches such as Eric Halfvarson and Michele Troise, icon of the French chanson Michel Jonasz, and other renowned European clinicians.

This daily immersion in French life and culture will be interwoven with a series of interactive lecture/presentations by internationally prominent guest lecturers who are established professionals in the world of music and theater, as well as presenters on topics geared toward helping the emerging young artist maintain a balanced life under the stress of auditioning and performing.

This lecture series is designed to complement and expand the pedagogical goals of the MRS (MUSIC RESEARCH SEMINAR) from diverse perspectives, from presentations on tools to maximize physical performance and reduce unnecessary stress (The Alexander Technique), to examination of the young artist’s priorities in study, rehearsal and performance (The Performer’s Triangle of Relationship), to step by step guidance in the practical aspects essential to the realization of a professional musical project such as the creation of a professional string quartet. (Quatuor Magnolia)

The lecture series topics are applicable to both the vocal and instrumental programs, and will also afford LEXIA program participants the opportunity to meet and network with fellow and future colleagues.

RESEARCH METHODS SEMINAR:

Becoming a Consummate Musician

The level of technical proficiency of American trained instrumental musicians continues to grow higher and higher. Yet when graduation comes, the continuing financial crisis in our arts institutions limits the careers potentially available to them. The Orchestral-Chamber Performance Program is a study setting simultaneously designed to garner new skill sets and to enhance career potential. The program provides outstanding professional training through a blend of individual, chamber and orchestral opportunities - as well as affording students the opportunity to formulate their own musical ensemble vision and identity through a wide range of cultural seminars by internationally known presenters.

The great tradition of chamber music in Europe is something that the American musician rarely gets to experience. While emphasis on honing a personal technique is essential for every musician, the consummate musician profits immensely from the matchless skill-set obtained by working in a small ensemble. These skills complement the abilities of any instrumentalist, whether they are playing in a quartet, within the orchestra, or as a soloist.

The Research Method Seminar requires participants to form string quartets or woodwind ensembles once they have arrived in Paris, and to select a rigorous and appropriate repertoire through which they will explore the chamber music pedagogies presented by the clinicians and guest artists. Each ensemble will work through their respective repertoire once a week in master class coaching sessions, with musicians such as Guy Danel of the Quatuor Danel, and Eric Robberecht of Quatuor Ensor, as well as in independent lessons. The string quartets will also join in work/exchanges with the Quatuor Magnolia (Proquartet, Festival ARAM, Chamber Music for Europe). The members of this young international professional ensemble will share their experiences of launching a professional chamber ensemble from musical, organizational and marketing points of view.  All of the musicians will have the honor of working with Maestro Steven Crawford in a chamber orchestra ensemble, which will culminate in a week-long intensive workshop and concert - thus integrating the skills developed in the other components of the Instrumental Music Performance Program.

MUSIC RESEARCH PROJECT

Individual Instrumental Instruction

In tandem with the Research Methods Seminar, students will prepare an end-of-term Music Research Performance. To help students realize their projects each student will have 12 hours of private lessons.

The purpose of private study will be to continue development of individual skills and musical expression. Private lessons also will give each student the availability to work with an internationally known artist teacher and thus garner a richer and more varied approach to their instrument. Accountability and musical preparation are expected from all LEXIA program participants.

THE MUSIC RESEARCH PERFORMANCE will include a public chamber recital presentation, as well as concerts with Maestro Crawford. Opportunities will also be available to collaborate and perform with members of the vocal program.

GRADING:

Each class is graded separately. For each class, attendance, preparation and participation will account for 30% of the final grade, Final Test for 30%, and semester assignments including concert attendance 40%.

All parts of the LEXIA curriculum are required for all students.

PREREQUISITES:

Student must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Music degree (or equivalent) program of study. Students will be accepted based upon a taped audition. Pre-formed string quartets, woodwind quintets and piano trios are encouraged to audition.

AVAILABLE PROGRAM POSITIONS (by taped audition process):

Violin (4)

Viola (2)

Cello (2)

Woodwind/Brass (5)

(The equivalent of 2 string quartets and 1 wind quintet.)

Other instruments (harp, piano, etc.) may also apply for the program.

Required Texts and materials: