Conclave Self-Rating Guide

How to rate yourself:

  1. Read the entire list below carefully and note the numbers of descriptions which apply to you (be painfully honest !).
  2. The category where most of the statements apply is your level. Use this as a guide for the courses you sign up for and note this level on the registration form. Certain aspects of your playing are more important in ensemble playing than others, and more weight should be given to those that are most important (e.g., rhythm, sightreading).
  3. Feel free to add explanatory notes in the details above if you feel your playing ability is not adequately described by the level you have calculated.

Explanation of levels:

  • Beginner (B) -- just starting out on the viol

  • Lower Intermediate (LI)
    1. Fewer than three years playing (unless already fluent on another stringed instrument or are studying regularly)
    2. Need help with rhythm--get lost easily, can't play with a metronome
    3. Need more experience sight-reading in an unpressured situation
    4. Need help in tuning
    5. Need to play at slow tempi
    6. Read one clef and would like experience in learning another clef

  • Middle Intermediate (MI)
    1. Years of experience but without private lessons or goal oriented study
    2. Reasonably good sight reader, but have trouble getting back in when lost
    3. Able to tune instrument well, but not so able to adjust intonation when playing
    4. Play one or two sizes of viols, but need more experience on one of those
    5. Read one or two clefs
    6. Can manage Andante tempi but "go to pieces" in Allegro tempi
    7. More interested in the social aspects of viol playing than in performing

  • Upper Intermediate (UI)
    1. Reasonably strong in rhythm and sight-reading so as not to get lost or throw off other players. Ability to find your place if you get lost.
    2. Ability to control bow so as to shape phrases musically without being told how to do so
    3. Ability to tune instrument and hear and adjust pitch discrepancies
    4. Fluent in two clefs and on one or two instruments
    5. Ability to "get around" instrument at moderate Allegro tempi
    6. Obtaining some private instruction during the year or at least practicing regularly
    7. Experienced in performing in an ensemble

  • Advanced (A)
    1. Soloistic capabilities and/or experience
    2. Very strong sight-reader, strong rhythmically, very good intonation, excellent ensemble ability
    3. Good sound and concept of musical phrasing, good rhythmic articulation
    4. Fluent on instrument at Allegro tempi and in three-five clefs
    5. Ability to play two-three sizes of instruments and have instruments which blend well in consorts
    6. Knowledge of various styles of music, ability to ornament, octavate, and do some improvising