Viola in the Bachelor of Music (BMus)

If you have enthusiasm, a strong work ethic and a love for the viola, then studying at Laurier is the place for you. You will have our instructor Christine Vlajk’s commitment to teaching you about all things related to the viola — repertoire, technique, and various pedagogies.

Christine views the viola studio as a place to encourage learning about the viola, the meaning of music and how to listen and teach yourself and fellow classmates.

There is an atmosphere of intensity, hard work and encouragement to do your best. You will have the opportunity to work with other faculty members, all of whom are dedicated and gifted teachers. It’s great fun!

Christine is a member of the Penderecki String Quartet.

Careers

chamber group
composer/performer
librarian for a musical organization
new music group
orchestra
teacher (private studio or university)

Alumni have successfully pursued law, medicine, business, music therapy and community music.

Auditions

Requirements

Audition repertoire should be performed at a Grade 8 RCM level or higher. RCM formal training and exams are not required.

These are only guidelines; any program of comparable difficulty is acceptable.

A three-octave scale, slurring four sixteenth notes per bow, quarter note = 60.
Any standard étude of Kreutzer or Campagnoli caprice.
Two contrasting movements from Solo Bach Suite for Cello (BWV1007-1012).
One movement of a viola concerto.

Audition Advice

The best advice is to prepare well, and in advance. Practice slowly so you may always have control and consistency.

Choose pieces that demonstrate the best of your abilities. Find a professional keyboardist who offers private lessons to coach you through your audition pieces.

Program Details

First-Year Courses

MU100: Music at its Contexts
MU181: Ensemble
MU136/137: Musical Skills
MU161/162: Music Theory
MU190A: Applied Study (lessons and masterclass)
three elective courses

Laurier Ensemble and Performance Opportunities

chamber music ensembles
community outreach performances
concerto competitions
Improvisation Concerts Ensemble
intensive chamber music course
student composer concerts
student recitals
Symphony Orchestra

Viola Instructor

Christine Vlajk

Viola Guest Artists

David Rose from SUNY-Fredonia
Members of the Layfette String Quartet
Members of the Tokyo Quartet
Mimi Zweig from University of Indiana – Jacobs School of Music
Tomas Weibe

Additional Viola Facts

Facilities and Equipment

The studio is equipped to provide a seamless transition to remote learning, if needed. Students that may be unable to attend a lesson or studio class in person will have the option to participate in a live remote event or request a recording of the class.

Health and Well-being

You will be a part of a small community of supportive peers and teachers. During you studies, your teacher will help you find an appropriate work-life balance and give you the tools necessary to make sustainable and healthy progress.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Students will have the opportunity to form chamber music groups amongst their peers to perform on student recitals and in the community.
Students are encouraged to apply for summer music programs each year. These programs are located around Canada and throughout the world. Students will receive guidance in putting together their audition packages and applications for each program. Programs range from volunteer teaching to performance music festivals.
Many students are actively preparing for auditions. These auditions range from summer festivals to professional orchestra auditions. Many students also have projects such as arranging, composition, and other groups that they perform with.
Students will be able to take part in performances around the southern Ontario region, participate in masterclasses from industry professionals and have opportunities to play mock auditions to prepare them for professional audition taking.