| Etudes written for violin ensemble, which include violin duets, trios, and quartets, are less numerous than solo etudes. These works rarely go by the title "etude," and have not been the focus of much scholarly research. Ensemble etudes have much to offer students, teachers and composers, however, because they add an extra dimension to the learning, teaching, and composing processes.;This document establishes the value of ensemble etudes in pedagogy and explores applications of the repertoire currently available. Rather than focus on violin duets, the most common form of ensemble etude, it mainly considers works for three and four violins without accompaniment. Concentrating on the pedagogical possibilities of studying etudes in a group, this document introduces creative ways that works for violin ensemble can be used as both etudes and performance pieces.;The first two chapters explore the history and philosophy of the violin etude and multiple-violin works, the practice of arranging of solo etudes for multiple instruments, and the benefits of group learning and cooperative learning that distinguish ensemble etude study from solo etude study. The third chapter is an annotated survey of works for three and four violins without accompaniment, and serves as a pedagogical guide to some of the available repertoire. Representing a wide variety of styles, techniques and levels, it illuminates an historical association between violin ensemble works and pedagogy. The fourth chapter presents an original composition by the author, titled Variations on a Scottish Folk Song: Etude for Four Violins, with an explanation of the process and techniques used to create this ensemble etude. This work is an example of the musical and technical integration essential to etude study, and demonstrates various compositional traits that promote cooperative learning.;Ensemble etudes are valuable pedagogical tools that deserve wider exposure. It is my hope that the information and ideas about ensemble etudes in this paper and the individual descriptions of the works presented will increase interest in and application of violin trios and quartets at the university level. |
