Studio class purpose for performance : A comparison on how a musical piece performed in a final recital concert is different when prepared in studio class

Abstract: The purpose of this thesis was to find out if and how studio class improves a live performance at a final examination concert. Although the specific research described in this paper was about playing the viola, the argument is made that the exploration and knowledge of pratice would be of benefit to any musician. This paper describes the studio class experiment during an academic semester within playing a musical piece and its full analysis. Information is provided about the studio class, its methods, variations, and practices. The application of studio class at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm to viola playing in general is discussed, and specifically to the preparation for the performance of Sonata for viola and piano by Janis Medins. The results of the study indicates that studio class was really beneficial to the interpretation of the piece during a live performance at a final examination concert.