2022-2023 Academic Catalog

Offered in: Chicago

The purpose of the Orchestral Instrument Performance Programs at CCPA is to prepare students for careers as a solo, chamber, and ensemble performers, and to routinize in students the habits consistent with success in the professional environment. The undergraduate program's objectives are to:

• develop students' capabilities as performers, addressing technical proficiency, knowledge of history and practice specific to their instrument family, and broad awareness of musical styles and repertory;
• develop students' musicianship through a comprehensive curriculum of written and aural skills, conducting, analysis, history, and literature;
• train students to be effective musical collaborators through comprehensive experiences in large and small ensembles, performing music of all periods and genres (including new music and opera);
• balance the focused music curriculum and support the student's intellectual interests with a wide choice of academic electives;
• expose students to the entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities of a music career.

Development of repertory and technique is assessed every semester at juries, and at the recitals given in the junior and senior years. Jury and recital requirements are published in the Music Conservatory Handbook (Academic Supplement).

Admission requirements

Please consult the CCPA Admission and Audition Information web page for audition requirements for violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harp.  

Requirements

C- is the minimum passing grade in the first three semesters of applied study (courses 211 through 213), including the related jury exams. At the completion of the second year of applied study, a student must receive a minimum grade of B- in Applied Music 214 and PERF 262 SOPHOMORE JURYto be admitted to the upper division. The grade of B- is the minimum passing grade in upper division applied study (Applied Music 311 through 314  PERF 361 JUNIOR JURY, PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL, PERF 362 SENIOR JURY, and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL).

The program requires a total of 120 semester hours.

Major Specific Requirements 

¹

Students are assigned to chamber music ensembles at the discretion of the director and the program heads for up to eight semesters.  A minimum of five semesters of ENS 307 CHAMBER MUSIC (STRINGS) is required for graduation.

General Studies

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.

¹

Viola Majors take VLA 211 VIOLA (MAJOR) and VLA 212 VIOLA (MAJOR) for Year 1. VLA 213 VIOLA (MAJOR) and VLA 214 VIOLA (MAJOR) for Year 2. VLA 311 VIOLA (MAJOR) and VLA 312 VIOLA (MAJOR) for Year 3. VLA 313 VIOLA (MAJOR) and VLA 314 VIOLA (MAJOR) for Year 4.

²

Violin Majors take VLN 211 VIOLIN (MAJOR) and VLN 212 VIOLIN (MAJOR) for Year 1.VLN 213 VIOLIN (MAJOR) and VLN 214 VIOLIN (MAJOR) for Year 2. VLN 311 VIOLIN (MAJOR) and VLN 312 VIOLIN (MAJOR) for Year 3. VLN 313 VIOLIN (MAJOR) and VLN 314 VIOLIN (MAJOR) for Year 4.

³

Violoncello Majors take VCEL 211 VIOLONCELLO (MAJOR) and VCEL 212 VIOLONCELLO (MAJOR) for Year 1. VCEL 213 VIOLONCELLO (MAJOR) and VCEL 214 VIOLONCELLO (MAJOR) for Year 2. VCEL 311 VIOLONCELLO (MAJOR) and VCEL 312 VIOLONCELLO (MAJOR) for Year 3. VCEL 313 VIOLONCELLO (MAJOR) and VCEL 314 VIOLONCELLO (MAJOR) for Year 4.

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PERF 342 ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS - VIOLIN is for Violin Majors.

PERF 343 ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS - VIOLA is for Viola Majors

PERF 344 ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS - VIOLONCELLO is for Violoncello Majors