String Area
The University of Alberta's long-standing string training programs continue to prepare students from here and abroad for professional careers in performance, teaching, research and related fields. The String Area offers comprehensive undergraduate (BA, BMus/BEd) and graduate degree programs (MA, MMus) in violin, viola, cello, double-bass, harp and classical guitar. The doctoral degree program (DMus) is currently offered only in violin and viola.
A string student's training consists of one-one-one lessons and studio instruction (solo repertoire) along with ongoing ensemble opportunities that normally include chamber music, string orchestra, symphony orchestra, opera orchestra, early music period practice, and contemporary music. Seminar courses specializing on the literature and pedagogy of string instruments complement a rigorous general musicianship's curriculum (ear training, aural skills, history, and theory).
Students are further encouraged to broaden their university-level interests by undertaking complementary or exploratory courses through elective credits and research projects.
Graduate students will develop their study and research program in consultation with a dedicated supervisor and supervisory committee.
The expertise of our string faculty stems from a broad experience performing on the professional stage and from extensive teaching experience. Every year, the string area invites well-known guest artists to further enhance the string area's educational offerings (masterclass series).
Competitive performance events - such as the university symphony concerto competition and the scholarships competitions - provide students with more opportunities to hone their skills. In the same spirit, the string area actively encourages students to take part in provincial, national and international events. Our string students are fully engaged 'musical citizens', teaching, performing and leading in the local and broader community.
Auditions are held in mid-January (graduate programs) and in the Spring/Summer (undergraduate programs). Scholarships are available.
For more information on our string programs, please contact Professor Tardif at gtardif@ualberta.ca.
For a full list of faculty and instructors in the String Area, please visit the Faculty by Area page.