EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
School of Music
Syllabus for EKU Guitar Ensembles
Campbell 327
Instructor: Dr. Dennis Davis
Office: Foster 112
Office telephone: (859) 622-5007
Email: dennis.davis@eku.edu Office hours: By appointment
Fall 2022
This syllabus applies to the following ensemble courses:
MUS 250 (CRN: 11974, MW 2:30-3:15: Description: I, II. Rehearsal and performance for: string, brass, percussion, vocal, and woodwind ensembles. Course may be retaken.)
MUS 257 (CRN: 10308, TR: 3:30-5:30: Description: I, II. Course open to guitar majors only. Must have experience reading music and performance skills on the instrument. May be retaken for a total of four hours.)
MUS 457 (CRN: 10308, TR: 3:30-5:30; Description: I, II. Course open to guitar majors only. Must have experience reading music and performance skills on the instrument. May be retaken for a total of four hours.)
MUS 805 (CRN: 15101, MW 2:30-3:15; Description: May be retaken to a maximum of one hour.)
MUS 850 (CRN: 15102, TR: 3:30-5:30; Description: I, II. May be retaken to a maximum of one hour.)
Course Rationale:
National standards demand that aspiring professional guitarists develop guitar ensemble skills.
Prerequisites:
Audition required. The EKU guitar ensemble is open to all EKU students. Students interested in learning more about the EKU guitar ensemble, or becoming a guitar major or minor need to contact Dennis Davis.
Students must successfully complete four semesters of MUS 257 before they may enroll into MUS 457. It is also understood that MUS 457 students will be expected to perform advanced literature.
Learning Objectives:
Students will learn musicianship.
Students will learn proper guitar technique.
Students will learn how to present historically informed and creatively expressive performances of literature for guitar ensemble from every major style period..
Students will learn ensemble mechanics and rehearsal techniques.
Student Assessment:.
Students will present prepared literature in weekly rehearsals.
Students will perform as required during the semester and those performances will be assessed by both the student and the instructor.
Students will participate in several recital performances each semester. Students are required to perform in convocation each semester. Other performances will also be required. A recording session will occur the week before or after each EKU Guitar Ensemble Concert.
Video and Audio recordings will assist the assessment process. Weekly Dropbox recordings constitute 50% of your ensemble grade and ensemble recordings are by Sunday at 11PM.
Required Materials:
Instruments: All students should own a quality classical guitar (eventually spending $2,000 or more as opposed to $200 or less) and a versatile electric suited for jazz (humbucking pickups in neck and bridge position- preferably splitable).
Accessories: footstool, small music stand, concert attire, metronome, music dictionary, nail care kit (diamond file, buffing board, 600 grit or equivalent sand paper, replacement nails, silk mesh, and superglue), cables, recording device (mp3 perferred for Dropbox), volume pedal, amplifier, and picks.
Reserve Materials Include:
Scores, Articles, journals, and books explaining various aspects of guitar technique, performance, history, and pedagogy.
Recordings and scores.
Various items from my personal collection as necessary.
Attendance Policy:
Alternate ensemble times will be arranged when the professor has a scheduling conflict. An unexcused student absence lowers the semester grade by one letter. Only verifiable university or medical absences will be accepted. Three tardy arrivals equal one absence. Missing a concert, dress rehearsal, or other required performance results in a failing grade for the semester. Note: rehearsals must begin on time - meaning all preparatory issues: tuning, music wrangling, and so forth are completed before rehearsal time.
Grading Policy:
Rehearsals will be graded weekly, averaged, and combined with concert performance grades to produce a semester score. The first rehearsal of each semester is used to define objectives, discuss priorities, test reading skills, and set goals. Grades are based on degree of improvement, quality of preparation, amount of material covered, attendance, and, how effectively the semester goals are realized. The grade 'B' indicates progress; 'A' indicates exceptional work. Any student receiving less than a B needs to reassess his or her goals and career choice.
It is assumed that ensemble parts will be practiced and carefully considered. I am fairly adept at knowing whether or not parts have been practiced. I can also tell the difference between a nervous student struggling to play something they have practiced and a student that is really unprepared. If a student comes to ensemble unprepared they will be sent to the practice room to work on the assignment. Three or more unprepared rehearsals lowers your semester grade by one letter.
Audio (or video) recordings form the primary measurement of your outside preparation. Weekly Dropbox recordings constitute 50% of your weekly ensemble grade and those recordings are due each Sunday by 11 a.m. I fully expect your recordings to reflect your struggles, abilities, and level of familiarity with the literature. If you have not had the literature for very long, your recordings will reflect that. If you are not an experienced player, your recordings will reflect that. Your recordings may sound very rough when you first receive your assignments, and that is perfectly fine. They allow us to target your difficulties and work to resolve them. If you fail to submit your recordings, I must assume that you failed to practice your literature. And much worse, it impedes my ability to quickly diagnose your problem areas and help you overcome them.
The semester grade will be lowered by one letter for each unexcused absence or three tardies. Missing a required concert results in a failing grade. Demerits lower the final grade by 1%. Please refer to the EKU Guitar Handbook for more information and clarification.
Credo:
The study of music demands, as do all the arts, not only natural ability and talents, but also more importantly dedication, sacrifice, self-discipline, inquisitiveness, and the unrelenting desire to achieve excellence. Success requires all of these attributes. Natural ability is not a substitute for any other component. In fact, natural ability often unfairly enjoys the credit earned by hard work and dedication. It is assumed that music students are here to get the most from the Department of Music, its faculty, and resources, and, that music students will work consistently towards advancement in all areas, including those required outside the field of music. Music is a highly competitive art form and success is not guaranteed by tuition and attendance; success requires a self-sacrificing dedication to the field that includes a refusal to quit. The study of music is never finished and never takes extended holidays. Music requires regular practice and consistent effort to simply maintain prior accomplishments and future progress only happens after extended periods of regular practice. Since music is never “finished,” musicians, like athletes, must continue to progress without any extended breaks, especially if they hope to graduate with the skills and abilities to be “drafted” by a professional organization or excellent graduate school. Consider these words by Jascha Heifetz: If I don't practice one day, I know it; two days, the critics know it; three days, the public knows it. (Heifetz). Every successful musician lives by this quote and students who ignore it are ignored by the profession. To prevent this devastating “learning outcome,” guitar students are required to submit recordings regularly and make regular progress during every academic break. It is fine to rest for one day or occasionally two, but more than that thwarts progress, memorization, interpretation, the ability to sight-read, and ultimately, confidence. If a unique event forces a break that is longer than three days, then balance that loss by either submitting extra recordings before, or immediately after, the academic break; but, never think that an academic break exempts any student from progressing and evidencing regular progress via weekly recordings. Some students may wonder about the recourse that follows the failure to make recordings and progress during breaks, and several have learned by having their recitals cancelled, literature changed, and most frequently, one or more extra semesters added to the end of their studies. But, the worse recourse is the self-inflected loss of progress, confidence, and growth that results from taking the break “off.” Everyone is free to make choices, but not from the consequences of their choices. Music is highly competitive and unfortunately, your competition will be thrilled by your mistakes and poor choices. Consider how unique music really is:
Go on; don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets. Art deserves that, for it and knowledge can raise men to the Divine…I will take fate by the throat; it will never bend me completely to its will. (Beethoven).
If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music. (Einstein).
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. (Plato)
Required Meeting Times:
Applied lessons are arranged each semester at a mutually convenient time.
MUS X32F Masterclass meets every MWF at 1:25 pm., unless there is a Friday Convocation (attend the Friday convocation). Friday meetings give students the opportunity to rehearse together at a mutually required time (when there is not a student convocation).
MUS 250 (Electric Guitar Ensemble) meets every MWF at 2:30 pm. Friday meetings are required and they typically serve as self-directed rehearsals that give students the opportunity to rehearse together at a mutually required time. Outside rehearsal times are necessary for growth and development.
Classical Guitar Ensemble/Performance class meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 - 5:30 pm.
Directed and Undirected Ensembles meet weekly as assigned. An unexcused absence from any group rehearsal/masterclass the semester grade by one letter. Three unexcused tardies equal one absence.
Performance Requirements and Important Dates:
Performance Requirements:
Guitar majors will present an ensemble and studio concert on the EKU campus every semester. Other performances will be required on a periodic basis and include concerts at other universities, recording sessions, Friday Student Recitals, and local and regional K-12 institutions. Some concert times are subject to change and more concerts may be added when dates are finalized. Please flexible and willing to accommodate serendipitous performance opportunities. It is critical to your professional development.
A recording session will occur each semester.
All EKU guitar department recordings are the sole property of the EKU department of
music.
Dress Rehearsals and Concerts:
Fall
EKU Guitar Ensemble Concert: October 25, 2022, 7:30PM, Gifford Theater.
EKU Guitar Studio Concert: November 22, 2022, 7:30PM, Gifford Theater.
Spring
EKU Guitar Ensemble Concert: March 28, 2023, 7:30PM, Gifford Theater.
EKU Guitar Studio Concert: May 4, 2023, 7:30PM, Gifford Theater.
All dress rehearsals are at 3:30 PM the day of the concert in the assigned venue, unless otherwise announced. A recording session will occur each semester. All EKU guitar department recordings are the sole property of the EKU department of music.
Midterm Exams:
Midterm Exams:
Fall
MUSX32F: Performance (during Midterm Lesson). Written September 29, 2022 (3:30-5:30).
MUSX57: Performance and written September 29, 2022 (3:30-5:30).
Spring
MUSX32F: Performance (during Midterm Lesson). Written March, 2023 (3:30-5:30).
MUSX57: Performance and written March, 2023 (3:30-5:30).
Final Exams:
Fall
MUSX32F: Written: Monday, 11/28/22, 1:00-3:00 pm. (Campbell 327).
MUSX57: Written 11/28/22, 1:00-3:00 pm, Campbell 327.
MUSX32F: Performance: Wednesday (Juries), 11/30/22, 1:00-5:00 pm. (assigned time slots in Campbell 327)
Spring
MUSX32F: Written: Tuesday, 5/5/2023, 1:00-3:00 pm. (Campbell 327).
MUSX57: Tuesday 5/4/2023, 1:00-3:00 pm. (Campbell 327).
MUSX32F: Performance: Wednesday (Juries), 5/4/2023, 1:00-5:00 pm. (see assigned time slots; held in Campbell 327)
Juries: Students are required to perform a midterm and final jury examination each semester.
Rehearsal Preparation:
It is assumed that ensemble parts will be practiced and carefully considered. I am fairly adept at knowing whether or not parts have been practiced. I can also tell the difference between a nervous student struggling to play something that they have practiced and a student that is really unprepared. If a student comes to ensemble unprepared they will be sent to the practice room to work on the assignment. Three or more unprepared rehearsals lowers your semester grade by one letter.
Convocation, Jury, and Solo Concert Attire:
Degree Recitals: Concert Black or Coat and tie with dress pants, shoes, and socks. The instructor will specify the attire. A performing musician is expected to own a tuxedo. It is the "uniform" of the industry. Tuxedo rental shops frequently sell used tuxedos at reasonable prices.
Guitar ensemble: Concert black, tuxedo, or similar approved apparel depending on the situation.
Jury (regular and Sophomore comprehensives): Dress shirt (and tie, if required) with dress pants, shoes, and socks. No jeans, white socks or tennis shoes.
Area Concerts, Friday Recitals/Convocations: Same as jury. Simply put, practice dressing for concerts the way you need to dress for actual paying gigs. If you become a Rock Star, you can dress any way you want. Until then, dress appropriately for performances. Read this very helpful article.
Musicianship and Lesson Professionalism* (see Blackboard: Guitar Department Handbook)
Technology and Email
EKU requires all students and faculty to use their University email accounts for all correspondence. [Please do not accept email from non-EKU addresses due to privacy and hacking concerns.]
This course requires the use of Microsoft Word. If you do not currently have this software on your computer, EKU provides Microsoft 365 Plus free to all students. You can find instructions on installing the application at this site: https://it.eku.edu/support/students-microsoft-office-365-pro-plus
Student Progress
You will be able to learn your grades via direct correspondence during private lessons. Grades will also be posted weekly for lessons and ensemble in our shared Lesson Planner (Google Document). If you think you need to drop the course, please discuss that possible decision with your instructor and bear in mind these deadlines:
• Sunday, August 21 The last day to add a course or to drop without receiving a “W” on your transcript.
• Sunday, August 21 The last day to convert the class to Audit or Pass/Fail
• Monday, October 10 The last day to drop without a withdrawal fee
• Sunday, November 6 The last day to drop the course with a withdrawal fee
For additional information, consult the Fall 2022 academic calendar on the Colonel's Compass: https://colonelscompass.eku.edu/final-exam-schedule-fall-2022
University Policies
The following policies are described in detail at this link: https://academicaffairs.eku.edu/syllabi
• Accessibility Accommodation Statement
• Academic Integrity Statement
• Discrimination and Harassment, Title IX, and Prevention Statement
Inclement Weather Adaptations
In case of severe weather, operations and classes at EKU could be affected. For more information about scheduling adaptations depending on severity, see https://www.eku.edu/weather.html.
COVID-19 Precautions
The university’s response to COVID-19 is fluid and dynamic. Please refer to our website for the latest guidance and university protocols. Students enrolled in this course are required to follow all university policies, including the Student Code of Conduct and policies related to public health and Healthy On Campus initiatives.
EKU is working diligently with state and local public health agencies and our healthcare provider partners to offer vaccination opportunities for EKU students and employees. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the following:
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine. Any of the currently available vaccines from Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer offer a high level of protection against COVID-19 and serious illness.
• Wear a mask, especially while indoors or when gathering in groups.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Should you need a COVID test, an up-to-date list of testing locations can be found here. Students requiring an accommodation for face coverings, please contact the Center for Student Accessibility.
Helpful Resources
Writing Assistance
EKU’s Noel Studio for Academic Creativity is a free resource offering writing, communication, and research support for undergraduate and graduate students from any major or class. At the Noel Studio, trained consultants can help you with essays, presentations, research posters, visual aids, multimodal products, and more through peer-to-peer meetings called consultations, which are available both in-person (on the EKU Richmond campus) and online (via Zoom). Students can ask for help at any stage of the communication process—from brainstorming to final revision, and every point in between! You can learn more about consultations at https://studio.eku.edu/about-consultations; schedule your own consultations by following the directions at https://studio.eku.edu/schedule-appointment. Have questions or need help scheduling? Stop by the Noel Studio (located in the Crabbe Main Library), call the Noel Studio at (859) 622-7330, or use the chat box at studio.eku.edu!
The Student Success Center
The Student Success Center, located on the ground floor of the library and online, provides free assistance for all EKU students. Students can request tutoring in over 150 subjects, as well as other services including mentoring, workshops, advising, studying, computer use, and with any questions related to your college experience. The Chellgren Success Series features workshops and video workshops to help with study skills, time management, stress management, and more. To make an online appointment or for more information, visit www.successcenter.eku.edu or email successcenter@eku.edu.
Library Support
You will need to use the library’s electronic and hard-copy resources in this course. EKU Libraries’ Distance and Online Learning page is designed to help, especially if you are taking online/remote classes. If this section does not answer your questions, you can use the “Ask Us” live chat feature located on the upper-left corner of every library webpage. The online chat is available all weekdays and weekends/holidays at varying hours.
Additional Resources in the Area
Please keep the following numbers handy in case you or a friend may need the services. offered by any of the organizations.
o EKU Student Health Services 622-1761
o EKU Women’s Health Clinic 622-1761
o EKU Counseling Center 622-1303
o EKU Psychology Clinic 622-2356
o Title IX at EKU 622-8020
o Colonel’s Cupboard https://communityservice.eku.edu/Cupboard Powell 152
o Closet Transform https://communityservice.eku.edu/closet-transform Powell 152
o Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass 800-656-4673
o Hope’s Wings Domestic Violence Program 859-623-4095
o Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7) 988