Grade 7 Description
The overarching goal of the 7th Grade Music Appreciation is for students to become proficient in playing the acoustic guitar at a beginning to advanced beginning level.
Students begin the semester by understanding the names of guitar parts and strings, learn to read a chord diagram, practice the muscle memory to play chords, and apply chords to songs.
Unit 1: Learning the physical skills necessary to play guitar chords and apply chords to songs.
Unit 2: Applying chord and playing knowledge to a self-selected song, played individually or a group, and presenting it to the class.
Unit 3: Blues Guitar
Unit 1 and 2 Overview:
Students will apply chords and strumming techniques to prepare and present a song project individually or a group to the class. Essential questions: Why is it important to have a thorough knowledge of guitar chords in order to choose and perform a song individually or as a group? Why is singing and playing together so challenging?
Unit 3 Overview:
Students will play a 12-bar blues progression on the acoustic guitar. Essential questions: What chords make up a 12-bar blues? How is a typical blues song structure according to lyrics? What musicians were famous blues performers?