Contemporary Repertoire for the Beginning and Intermediate Student

Though advanced viola repertoire skews toward the 20th and 21st century, beginning and intermediate violists are rarely offered training in contemporary harmonic, rhythmic, and timbral languages. This knowledge gap often leads to a lack of preparedness for traditional canonical viola literature — like works by Hindemith and Bartok — and a hesitance to explore contemporary repertoire that plays a valuable role in the relevance of classical music today.

The introduction of contemporary musical languages and extended techniques is not only necessary for the musical growth of today’s violist, but is also an unparalleled tool for helping students discover their individualized musical voices. Unlike standard repertoire, where students
may feel as if there is a “right” or “wrong” way of playing, contemporary music offers a space for risk-taking and exploration. This gives beginning and intermediate students the authority to make intentional and individualized choices, instilling an early sense of confidence in their ability to technically execute and artistically interpret any musical work.

This presentation offers a framework for introducing contemporary repertoire into private lessons, with recommendations for exercises, etudes, and repertoire appropriate for the beginning and intermediate student. Using live demonstration and score excerpts, this lecture will cover the pedagogical value of contemporary music for violists through repertoire by composers including Michael Kimber, Jessica Meyer, Scott Slapin, Dario Duarte, and Sakari Dixon Vanderveer.

Attendees will leave with strategies for normalizing and incorporating contemporary music in their studio culture, as well as ideas for level-appropriate contemporary repertoire.