Session One: Expression in Baroque string playing
We will talk about the different means of expression used by string players in modern and baroque style, the role of vibrato and dynamic use of the bow, the respective properties of modern and Baroque bows, and will discuss ways of using modern setup to achieve a more baroque sound.  I will play some demos in both styles, and we will actually practice some fundamental baroque bow exercises during this class.

Session Two: Rhetorical Music – what is it and why does it matter? Is it fun? Yes!
A brief history of the rhetorical style, emphasizing both rhetoric as embedded in music by the composer, and as a part of the performer’s attitude and delivery.  I will play examples of both aspects of rhetoric.  We will review the fundamental bow exercises towards the end of the class.

Session Three: What does the music mean? How can you tell what is important?
Exploring the dual roles of musical intuition and musical analysis, and why both are important in arriving at a gratifying and communicative understanding of what you are trying to “say” when you perform a piece.  I will introduce you to my seven Imaginary Friends: Melody Queen, Harmony Girl, Rhythm Boy, the Phrase-meister, the Actor, the Pace-maker, and their boss, the Great Goddess of Affect, and will play bits of music which demonstrate their roles.  We will again review the fundamental bow exercises towards the end of the class.

Session Four: Putting it all together – applying the concepts discussed
As far as our time permits, we will work through short sections of each of the pieces you submitted, showing how rhetoric, bowing, and the Imaginary Friends all coordinate to produce an animated and expressive performance.