Bass Guidelines
[one_half]
I:
Fluent Memory
Rhythmic Integrity
Accurate Pitch
[/one_half]
II:
Beautiful Tone
Phrasing
Appropriate Dynamics
At the higher graduation levels more skill is expected, particularly in the subjective aspects. Even at graduation level I and II, no recording should be sent in where the student is stumbling with memory, playing wrong notes, and struggling to keep a steady beat. If a student makes a recording that is beautiful but plays one note slightly out of tune you can submit it. But, if the student has memory or rhythm problems more work is needed before submitting a recording. If a student has major problems in one or two areas then encourage the student to keep working on the piece and record it after more improvements are made.
Recordings can include accompaniment, at the teacher’s discretion. If using a recorded track, it should not include the bass in the background.
*All repeats are required, for all graduation levels
Bass LEVEL I: The Little Fiddle
Checklist:
- Tempo: Quarter note = 110 – 130 bpm (rit. at m. 12)
- Demonstrates correct posture.
- Tone is full.
- Dynamics are demonstrated where appropriate (p at m. 11 and mf at m. 13)
- Notes are articulated Appropriately and consistently
- Performance conveys the character of the piece
- Clean string crossings
- Clean and accurate shifts with good intonation
- Most bowings and note values are played accurately (up bow end of m. 8)
- Clean, separate 1/16th notes (mm. 1, 3, 9 – 13 and 15)
Bass LEVEL II: March in G
Checklist:
- Tempo: Quarter note = 80 – 90 bpm
- All notes, especially half notes, receive their full value
- Demonstrates correct posture
- Tone is full
- Dynamics are demonstrated where appropriate (mf at beginning to p at m. 6 F in m. 20 to mf in m. 22)
- Crescendos and decrescendos are the correct length and volume (p m. 6 crescendo to F m. 7)
- Notes are articulated appropriately and consistently
- Performance conveys the character of the piece
- Clean string crossings
- Clean and accurate shifts with good intonation (watch 3rd to 1st shifts especially ex. m. 20)
- Most bowings and note values are played accurately
- Slurs are connected
- Fingerings are consistent with Suzuki Bass School Vol. 2
Bass LEVEL III: L’ Elephant
Checklist:
- Tempo: Quarter note = 110 – 130 bpm
- Conveys a sense of grandeur (pomposo)
- Demonstrates correct posture
- Tone is full
- Uses vibrato as appropriate
- Dynamics are demonstrated where appropriate
- Crescendos and decrescendos are the correct length and volume
- Notes are articulated appropriately and consistently
- Performance conveys the character of the piece
- Clean string crossings
- Clean and accurate shifts with good intonation (mm. 17 – 32 and mm. 45 – end)
- Most bowings and note values are played accurately
- Slurs are connected
- Fingerings are consistent with Suzuki Bass School Vol. 2
Bass LEVEL IV: Marcello Sonata in E minor Adagio and Allegro and 1 major and 1 minor 2-octave scale of choice from the end of Suzuki Bass School Vol. 4
Checklist:
- Tempo: Adagio Quarter note = 40 bpm and Allegro Quarter note = 100 – 120 bpm
- Demonstrates correct posture
- Demonstrates ease of movement
- Tone is full
- Uses vibrato as appropriate
- Trills are clear (Adagio mm. 11, 14, and 15 Allegro m. 26 and 29)
- Dynamics are demonstrated where appropriate
- Crescendos and decrescendos are the correct length and volume
- Notes are articulated appropriately and consistently
- Performance conveys the character of the piece
- Clean string crossings (Allegro A to D 4th pos. beat 3 of m 7 – m 8)
- Clean and accurate shifts with good intonation.
- Most bowings and note values are played accurately
- Slurs are connected
- Fingerings are consistent with Suzuki Bass School Vol. 2
- Clean 1/16th notes (Allegro mm. 6 – 11 and mm. 18 – 22 and mm. 23 – beat 1 of 26)
- Stylistic differences between Adagio and Allegro sections are appropriate