Guitar

Does the school provide guitars?

YES!! Students will use a classical guitar that remains on campus. We do not teach electric guitar due to the limitations on effects pedals and amps. HOWEVER, all skills acquired on classical guitar will improve flexibility and strength to any style of guitar playing!  

Is there a supply fee?

Yes, we do charge a modest fee of $10 per student to pay for strings and upkeep of guitars.

In person or By Mail (check made out to...)

North Creek High School

Attn: Bookkeeper

3613 191st Pl SE

Bothell, WA 98012

Do students need a guitar at home?

If possible, YES. It always helps to be able to practice at home as well. However, this is not a requirement to be enrolled in class.

Does the school accept supply donations?

Yes! We accept supplies or cash donations  year round, and share them with students who may not have the ability to aquire them on their own. 

Details:

• This is a semester course

• Students work with classical guitars

• There is an emphasis on notation, rhythm and melody

DURING THE FIRST TWO WEEKS STUDENTS ARE ASSESSED AND THEN PLACED INTO GROUPS.

Beginning Students work directly from the provided guitar book which is in notation, not tab.  Emphasis is on melody and some chord playing. Students will also be given the opportunity to explore song choices outside of the book. This is the group for the very beginner, students who have not experienced written music, or played instruments in the past.

Intermediate Students also work directly from the provided guitar book but typically move faster and reach the end of the book by the end of first quarter, which then leaves time for tab, power chords and group songs.  This group is geared toward the students who have prior experience with written music and playing guitar.

Advanced Students are typically self-directed and will form a semester plan with the instructor to ensure continued exploration of new works.

Northshore School District has adopted a "no zero" policy. There are no grades lower than "40%" at this time.

CHECKPOINTS (60% of Overall Grade)

There are roughly six checkpoints during the semester. Students will choose several songs from their group list and play them for the instructor for a grade. 

PERFORMANCE (20% of Overall Grade)

There will be two group performances in front of the class, in which students will be graded in small groups. 

THEORY (20% of Overall Grade)

There will be 5-6 theory worksheets per semester. These worksheets are specific to the learning target for the group they are in. Students will be graded on completeness of their assigned worksheet.

LATEWORK

I accept late work in all categories, but I do take points off for being late. Students are given ample time to achieve these goalposts. However, it is important to note that if students need more time on any assignment, and approach me in advance, I will often waive the late grade.