Course Description:

Guitar Class provides students an opportunity to explore the fundamentals of guitar performance, reading traditional, tab, and chord chart notation, understanding the musical concepts of melody, harmony, rhythm and form and to develop a deeper ap)preciation for all styles of music and music as art.

Materials:

• Acoustic or Classical Guitar (you may bring your own instrument or rent from the school)

• A medium pick (one provided by instructor)

• Pencil for all written assignments and quizzes

• 3-ring Binder dedicated to this class (any color)

• Notebook paper

• A guitar tuner (you may use an app on your Chrome book)

• Foot Stool (rented from school)

• Enroll in Remind: Test the message @gmsguitar to the number 81010

Curriculum:

• Bill Swick Method

• Guitar Expressions

• Explore It! H.O.T. Hands on Training for Guitar

• Supplemental materials provided by instructor and students

In this class, you will:

Learn the application of the music alphabet to the entire fret board. Learn to read music notation. Memorize basic chord fingerings and chord progressions. Learn several strumming and finger techniques for accompanying songs. Learn, play and perform songs individually, in small groups and as a class. Learn basic skills, terminology, and theoretical principles which will enable you to continue your studies and enhance your enjoyment of playing the guitar in the future.

Expectations:

• This class is performance based. Participation is an important part of a successful experience.

• Come to class with all materials, ready to learn each day, and complete all online assignments on days you are not at school.

• Absolutely, no food, drinks, candy, or gum in the classroom.

• Attitude is EVERYTHING! Your positive attitude helps create a great class for everyone!

• Complete all work to the best of your ability.

• If you miss class for any reason, it is your responsibility to consult Google Classroom for any missing assignments, music, and information.

• Each student will be issued a school-owned guitar to use for the duration of the class. Student/parents are responsible for repairs needed beyond normal wear and tear.

• Attendance/participation in after school concert on Thursday, May 3rd @ Greer High School

Syllabus:

• Weeks 1-2: Intro to guitar-parts, note reading, strings, posture, positions

• Weeks 3-5: I-IV-V7 Progressions in D, A, G, E, Em, and Am

• Weeks 6-9: First position natural note scale, reading treble clef, melodies in 1st position on all strings

• Weeks 10-13: Bass lines, trios

• Weeks 14-17: Barre chords

• Week 18: Final Recital and performances

Grading:

50% Major Grades - Including tests, Music Prodigy assignments, projects, class performances, and end of semester performance.

50% Minor Grades - Including online and in-person starters, worksheets, informal performing of practiced skills, music prodigy, and class performance.