Level Two Benchmarks for Upper Strings

Level Two Benchmarks for Upper Strings

By the end of Level Two, the violin/viola student will have accomplished the following categories:

Tone Quality and Tuning

Begin vibrato.

Tune their instrument with teacher assistance.

Finger Technique and Harmonics

Play in 3rd and half positions and to shift from 1st to 3rd position.

Play 3rd finger extensions in sharp keys.

Incorporate independent fingerings across strings.

Perform trills.

Bowings (Articulations)

Demonstrate the following bow strokes: spiccato, martele, marcato, multiple

slurred notes, louree, tremelos and simple double stops.

Scales

Perform scales in 2 octaves in the keys of D, G, C, A, Bb, Eb and one octave

F major for violin, 2 octaves for viola.

Rhythm

Demonstrate the following rhythms in addition to level 1 rhythms:

triplets, dotted quarter followed by an eighth note, dotted eighth followed by a

sixteenth note, sixteenth notes, varying 8th and 16th note patterns, corresponding

rests, and syncopation.

Musical Terminology and Meters

Know and apply the musical terms: ritardando, rallantando, accelerando, D.S.,

fermata, coda, fine, del segno sign, grace notes and mordents.

Play in duple, triple meters and in 6/8, 3/8 2/8 and in cut time.

Dynamics

Add the following dynamic markings to their repertoire: pp, ff, mp, mf, sfz

(sforzando), and subito piano.

Musical Styles and Composition

Play in a Swing Style.

Play in two parts (duets) or ensemble.

Improvise short melodies- accompanied and unaccompanied.

Compose short melodies using concepts that have been learned.

Level Two Benchmarks for Lower Strings

By the end of Level Two, the cello/bass student will have accomplished the

following categories: