WORKSHOP 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. If applicable, take into careful consideration any physical disabilities which would affect your placement with others.
4. Feel free to add explanatory notes in the details of your experience 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 experience (unless you are already fluent on another stringed instrument and are studying regularly).
  2. Need help with rhythm--get lost easily, have trouble playing 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.
  7. Using 60 as a metronome tactus standard, able to play scales in 8th notes.
• 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. Need to develop more bow control.
  8. Using 60 as a metronome standard, able to play Pavans and other dances steadily.
• Upper Intermediate (UI)
  1. Reasonably strong in rhythm and sight-reading (don't get lost or throw off other players); ability to find your place if you get lost.
  2. Ability to control bow and shape phrases, and ability to hear and relate musically to rest of an ensemble.
  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.
  8. Using 60 as a metronome standard, able to play Byrd, Holborne, and Coperario well.
• 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.
  4. Ability to play two-three sizes of instruments and have instruments which blend well in consorts.
  5. Fluent on instrument at Allegro tempi and in three-five clefs.
  6. Knowledge of various styles of music, ability to ornament, octavate, and do some improvising.
  7. Using 60 as a metronome standard, able to play Jenkins, Lawes, and Purcell well.