Offered in: Chicago

The CCPA Strings & Guitar program prepares students for careers as soloists, chamber musicians, and large ensemble performers, while cultivating habits and professional practices essential for success in the field.

The program’s objectives are to:

• Develop performance capabilities, including technical proficiency, knowledge of historical practices specific to each instrument family, and broad familiarity with musical styles and repertoire;

• Develop musicianship through a comprehensive curriculum of written and aural skills, conducting, analysis, history, and literature;

• Provide training in effective musical collaboration through guided experiences in both large and small ensembles, studying music from all stylistic periods and genres, including new music and opera;

• Balance the skills-focused music curriculum with a wide range of academic electives;

• Prepare students to navigate the entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities of a music career.

All jury and recital repertoire requirements are listed on the Requirements tab within the academic catalog.

Admission requirements

Please consult the CCPA Admission and Audition Information web page for audition requirements for strings.  

Grade Requirements:

• Applied Lessons: C- is the minimum passing grade for VLN 211 VIOLIN (LOWER DIV). B- is the minimum passing grade for VLN 311 VIOLIN (UPPER DIV)
• Recitals: B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL.
• Juries: B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 261 JURY (LOWER DIV) and PERF 361 JURY (UPPER DIV).

GPA Requirements:

Students must earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in all major subject area coursework, and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 across all core, elective, and general education courses.

Residency Requirements:

The final 30 credit hours toward a student's degree must be completed at Roosevelt University, or a minimum of 60 hours must be taken in residence at Roosevelt University.

course requirements (Violin)

¹

Ensemble participation is a defining element of conservatory training and reflects the collaborative practices of professional musicians. Students in the Interdisciplinary Conservatory are expected to participate each semester in any ensembles to which they are assigned by the relevant instructor-of-record, in consultation with the Program Director and Academic Advisor. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Ensemble assignments are made at the beginning of each semester following placement and seating auditions.

Recital Repertoire

PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL
30 minutes of music is required, and students are required to share recitals with other juniors. The recital is graded by the applied instructor. Memorization is required for solo Bach repertoire, showpieces, and concerti. Memorization is not required for sonatas, chamber music, or contemporary repertoire. Exceptions may be petitioned for under special circumstances and must be approved in advance by the Program Director of Strings and Guitar. 

PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL
Strings: 60 minutes of music is required. Three complete works from three different stylistic periods (including one 20th/21st-century work) must be performed. The recital is graded by the applied instructor. Memorization is required for solo Bach repertoire, showpieces, and concerti. Memorization is not required for sonatas, chamber music, or contemporary repertoire. Exceptions may be petitioned for under special circumstances and must be approved in advance by the Program Director of Strings and Guitar. 

Jury Repertoire

String performance majors are required to prepare and perform two works for each jury, as outlined below.

Students will perform a solo piece at each jury.

• At one jury, a movement from a concerto (including cadenza), preferably with piano accompaniment, will be presented.
• At one jury, a sonata or short piece displaying a range of technical/musical style, preferably with piano accompaniment, will be presented.

Students will perform a movement from an unaccompanied work (e.g. Bach, Ysaye, Kodaly, étude) at each jury.

No repetition of repertoire from previous juries is allowed. Memorization is required for solo Bach repertoire, showpieces, and concerti. Memorization is not required for sonatas, chamber music, or contemporary repertoire. Exceptions may be petitioned for under special circumstances and must be approved in advance by the Program Director of Strings and Guitar.

All violinists are required to perform a movement from a Mozart Concerto in at least one jury during their degree study.

Jury selections for Music Education majors is at the discretion of the teacher. Two works must be performed, and one must be memorized.

Jury selections for students enrolled in non-curricular lessons are at the discretion of the teacher. Two works must be performed.
Individual faculty members are encouraged to implement additional requirements for students in their studios. Their students are bound by these requirements.

Grade Requirements:

• Applied Lessons: C- is the minimum passing grade  for VLA 211 VIOLA (LOWER DIV) and VCEL 211 VIOLONCELLO (LOWER DIV). B- is the minimum passing grade for VLA 311 VIOLA (UPPER DIV) and VCEL 311 VIOLONCELLO (UPPER DIV).
• Recitals: B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL.
• Juries: B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 261 JURY (LOWER DIV) and PERF 361 JURY (UPPER DIV).

GPA Requirements:

Students must earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in all major subject area coursework, and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 across all core, elective, and general education courses.

Residency Requirements:

The final 30 credit hours toward a student's degree must be completed at Roosevelt University, or a minimum of 60 hours must be taken in residence at Roosevelt University.

Course Requirements (Viola and Cello)

¹

Ensemble participation is a defining element of conservatory training and reflects the collaborative practices of professional musicians. Students in the Interdisciplinary Conservatory are expected to participate each semester in any ensembles to which they are assigned by the relevant instructor-of-record, in consultation with the Program Director and Academic Advisor. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Ensemble assignments are made at the beginning of each semester following placement and seating auditions.

Residency

Students must earn at least 60 credit hours at Roosevelt University.

Grade Thresholds

Applied Lessons
C- is the minimum passing grade for VLA 211 VIOLA (LOWER DIV) and VCEL 211 VIOLONCELLO (LOWER DIV).
B- is the minimum passing grade for VLA 311 VIOLA (UPPER DIV) and VCEL 311 VIOLONCELLO (UPPER DIV).

Recitals
B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL.

Juries
C- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 261 JURY (LOWER DIV).
B- is the minimum passing grade for the second semester of PERF 361 JURY (UPPER DIV) .

Recital Repertoire

PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL
30 minutes of music is required, and students are required to share recitals with other juniors. The recital is graded by the applied instructor. Memorization is required for solo Bach repertoire, showpieces, and concerti. Memorization is not required for sonatas, chamber music, or contemporary repertoire. Exceptions may be petitioned for under special circumstances and must be approved in advance by the Program Director of Strings and Guitar. 

PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL
Strings: 60 minutes of music is required. Three complete works from three different stylistic periods (including one 20th/21st-century work) must be performed. The recital is graded by the applied instructor. Memorization is required for solo Bach repertoire, showpieces, and concerti. Memorization is not required for sonatas, chamber music, or contemporary repertoire. Exceptions may be petitioned for under special circumstances and must be approved in advance by the Program Director of Strings and Guitar. 

Jury Repertoire

String performance majors are required to prepare and perform two works for each jury, as outlined below.

Students will perform a solo piece at each jury.

• At one jury, a movement from a concerto (including cadenza), preferably with piano accompaniment, will be presented.
• At one jury, a sonata or short piece displaying a range of technical/musical style, preferably with piano accompaniment, will be presented.

Students will perform a movement from an unaccompanied work (e.g. Bach, Ysaye, Kodaly, étude) at each jury.

No repetition of repertoire from previous juries is allowed. Memorization is required for solo Bach repertoire, showpieces, and concerti. Memorization is not required for sonatas, chamber music, or contemporary repertoire. Exceptions may be petitioned for under special circumstances and must be approved in advance by the Program Director of Strings and Guitar.

Jury selections for Music Education majors is at the discretion of the teacher. Two works must be performed, and one must be memorized.

Jury selections for students enrolled in non-curricular lessons are at the discretion of the teacher. Two works must be performed.
Individual faculty members are encouraged to implement additional requirements for students in their studios. Their students are bound by these requirements.

Grade Requirements:

• Applied Lessons: C- is the minimum passing grade for STB 211 STRING BASS (LOWER DIV). B- is the minimum passing grade for STB 311 STRING BASS (UPPER DIV).
• Recitals: B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL.
• Juries: B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 261 JURY (LOWER DIV) and PERF 361 JURY (UPPER DIV).

GPA Requirements:

Students must earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in all major subject area coursework, and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 across all core, elective, and general education courses.

Residency Requirements:

The final 30 credit hours toward a student's degree must be completed at Roosevelt University, or a minimum of 60 hours must be taken in residence at Roosevelt University.

course requirements (String Bass)

¹

Ensemble participation is a defining element of conservatory training and reflects the collaborative practices of professional musicians. Students in the Interdisciplinary Conservatory are expected to participate each semester in any ensembles to which they are assigned by the relevant instructor-of-record, in consultation with the Program Director and Academic Advisor. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Ensemble assignments are made at the beginning of each semester following placement and seating auditions.

RECITAL REPERTOIRE

PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL
30 minutes of music is required, and students are required to share recitals with other juniors. The recital is graded by the applied instructor. Memorization is required for solo Bach repertoire, showpieces, and concerti. Memorization is not required for sonatas, chamber music, or contemporary repertoire. Exceptions may be petitioned for under special circumstances and must be approved in advance by the Program Director of Strings and Guitar. 

PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL
Strings: 60 minutes of music is required. Three complete works from three different stylistic periods (including one 20th/21st-century work) must be performed. The recital is graded by the applied instructor. Memorization is required for solo Bach repertoire, showpieces, and concerti. Memorization is not required for sonatas, chamber music, or contemporary repertoire. Exceptions may be petitioned for under special circumstances and must be approved in advance by the Program Director of Strings and Guitar. 

JURY REPERTOIRE

String performance majors are required to prepare and perform two works for each jury, as outlined below.

Students will perform a solo piece at each jury.

• At one jury, a movement from a concerto (including cadenza), preferably with piano accompaniment, will be presented.
• At one jury, a sonata or short piece displaying a range of technical/musical style, preferably with piano accompaniment, will be presented.

Students will perform a movement from an unaccompanied work (e.g. Bach, Ysaye, Kodaly, étude) at each jury.

No repetition of repertoire from previous juries is allowed. Memorization is required for solo Bach repertoire, showpieces, and concerti. Memorization is not required for sonatas, chamber music, or contemporary repertoire. Exceptions may be petitioned for under special circumstances and must be approved in advance by the Program Director of Strings and Guitar.

Jury selections for Music Education majors is at the discretion of the teacher. Two works must be performed, and one must be memorized.

Jury selections for students enrolled in non-curricular lessons are at the discretion of the teacher. Two works must be performed.
Individual faculty members are encouraged to implement additional requirements for students in their studios. Their students are bound by these requirements.

Grade Requirements:

• Applied Lessons: C- is the minimum passing grade for HARP 211 HARP (LOWER DIV). B- is the minimum passing grade for HARP 311 HARP (UPPER DIV).
• Recitals: B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL.
• Juries: B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 261 JURY (LOWER DIV) and PERF 361 JURY (UPPER DIV).

GPA Requirements:

Students must earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in all major subject area coursework, and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 across all core, elective, and general education courses.

Residency Requirements:

The final 30 credit hours toward a student's degree must be completed at Roosevelt University, or a minimum of 60 hours must be taken in residence at Roosevelt University.

Course Requirements (HARP)

¹

Ensemble participation is a defining element of conservatory training and reflects the collaborative practices of professional musicians. Students in the Interdisciplinary Conservatory are expected to participate each semester in any ensembles to which they are assigned by the relevant instructor-of-record, in consultation with the Program Director and Academic Advisor. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Ensemble assignments are made at the beginning of each semester following placement and seating auditions.

RESIDENCY

Students must earn at least 60 credit hours at Roosevelt University.

GRADE THRESHOLDS

Applied Lessons
C- is the minimum passing grade for HARP 211 HARP (LOWER DIV).
B- is the minimum passing grade for HARP 311 HARP (UPPER DIV).

Recitals
B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL.

Juries
C- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 261 JURY (LOWER DIV).
B- is the minimum passing grade for the second semester of PERF 361 JURY (UPPER DIV) .

RECITAL REPERTOIRE

PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL

Harp: 45 minutes of music is required, and students are required to share recitals with other juniors. Chamber music may be included with the permission of the applied teacher. The recital will be graded by the applied instructor. Memorization is compulsory except for contemporary works and chamber music.

PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL

Harp: 60 minutes of music is required. Chamber music may be included with the permission of the applied teacher. The recital will be graded by the applied instructor. Memorization is compulsory except for contemporary works and chamber music.

JURY REPERTOIRE

Harp: All jury requirements are at the discretion of the applied professor.

This degree map outlines a suggested pathway through the required courses for the program. Students are responsible for understanding all curricular requirements and course schedules. While alternate pathways are possible, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor when planning their course of study to ensure that their degree plan meets program requirements and supports their individual goals.

A full-time undergraduate course load consists of 12–18 credits per semester.

Degree Map (VIolin)

This degree map outlines a suggested pathway through the required courses for the program. Students are responsible for understanding all curricular requirements and course schedules. While alternate pathways are possible, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor when planning their course of study to ensure that their degree plan meets program requirements and supports their individual goals.

A full-time undergraduate course load consists of 12–18 credits per semester.

Degree Map (Violin and Cello)

This degree map outlines a suggested pathway through the required courses for the program. Students are responsible for understanding all curricular requirements and course schedules. While alternate pathways are possible, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor when planning their course of study to ensure that their degree plan meets program requirements and supports their individual goals.

A full-time undergraduate course load consists of 12–18 credits per semester.

This degree map outlines a suggested pathway through the required courses for the program. Students are responsible for understanding all curricular requirements and course schedules. While alternate pathways are possible, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor when planning their course of study to ensure that their degree plan meets program requirements and supports their individual goals.

A full-time undergraduate course load consists of 12–18 credits per semester.