Join this specialized auditioned ensemble designed for students with foundational Erhu skills who are eager to further develop their performance abilities in a collaborative, chamber music setting. Rooted in experiential learning, the course emphasizes hands-on ensemble skill development through active participation and performance.
Students will focus on building strong collaborative techniques while expanding their understanding of the Erhu family of instruments, including the Zhonghu and Gaohu. Participants will be grouped into smaller ensembles of 3–8 players based on similar skill levels, creating a supportive and focused environment for developing advanced musicianship.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop essential ensemble skills for collaborative performance, including active listening, tonal blending, and non-verbal communication.
- Gain practical experience performing on differently tuned Erhu instruments, such as the Zhonghu and Gaohu, within an ensemble setting.
- Explore a diverse range of repertoire spanning both Asian and Western musical traditions, including original works and instructor-arranged pieces.
31-Week Course Syllabus
Unit 1: Ensemble Foundations (Weeks 1–13)
- Read and rehearse 3 ensemble pieces
- Introduction of different Erhu (zhonghu/gaohu) and tunings
- Develop fingering and bowing
- Understand musical roles within an ensemble
- Balance between melody and accompaniment parts
Unit 2: Developing Ensemble Skills (Weeks 14–23)
- Review 3 ensemble pieces
- Read and rehearse 2 new ensemble pieces
- Listen and adjust pitch
- Ensemble articulation strategies
- Balance between melody and accompaniment parts
Unit 3: Repertoire Development and Performance Preparation (Weeks 24–31)
- Review and refine 5 ensemble pieces
- Balance between melody and accompaniment parts
- Dynamic exercise, phrasing, and expression exercises
- Complete recital run-through and adjustment
The course will culminate in an end of year recital/performance.
This course is perfect for students who have established basic Erhu foundations (audition required) and are motivated to deepen their musical expression through shared ensemble experiences.
This ensemble requires an audition to enroll, please email your audition video to info@vsoschoolofmusic.ca.