SYLLABUS 

Northwest Middle School Guitar Class 

Mr. Epps 

Office: 864-355-6968

Email: wepps@greenville.k12.sc.us 

Course Description

The beginning guitar class will be learning the basics of playing  acoustic guitar. This class is designed for students with little or no guitar experience. Students will learn fundamentals of music reading as well as basic chords, strumming, and finger patterns. Students will also study and perform various styles of music including folk and popular songs. 

Units of Study for this course are as follows (In no specific order):

Students will be learning the fundamentals of introductory guitar playing including: guitar anatomy, playing position, playing technique: both individual note and chord playing, reading and playing guitar tablature, reading and playing chords, playing alone, in small groups, and as a whole class ensemble, beginning levels of classical guitar study, and more! 

Learning Objectives

Students will be proficient in music reading and will be able to demonstrate through sight reading examples on guitar.

Students will be able to demonstrate proper guitar playing technique including finger picking and strumming chords.

Students will be able to perform their music on guitar and with correct rhythms.

Students will be able to perform and identify music from world cultures. 

Necessary Materials (1-2 provided by Northwest Middle)

1.  Guitar 

2.  Chromebook to Sheet Music 

3.  Expectation to play guitar every day 

4.  Positive Attitude 

Your student is NOT required to supply their own guitar, however they are welcome to bring their personal guitar from home to class for practice.

Grading Scale

A 90-100, B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, F 0-59 

Grading Policy – this follows the district assessment guidelines

Major Assessments – 50%

These assessments might include: Written and performance based tests, projects, and playing tests.

Minor Assessments – 50%

These assessments might include: In-class assignments, class participation, theory work, and practice. 

Grades will be entered into Power School, a web-based grading and attendance program.  Progress reports and report cards will be given. 

Late Work / Missed Work / Make-up policy

Students are responsible for missed work in the event of an absence. In accordance with District policy, students have 7 days upon returning to school to complete missed work within the quarter the work was assigned.  Missed assignments will be noted in the gradebook as missing until complete. For example, if missing work occurred during the end of Q1 and Q2 has already started and the 7 days allowed overlaps from Q1 to Q2 the work will be accepted during Q2 because the days allowed fall within the 7 days make up time frame. If the 7 days ends on a Saturday or Sunday the assignment will be due the next school day the student is present. Recap: students have 7 days from the absence to submit missing work. 

Class Rules and Expectations

In the music classroom, I will encourage students to be doing several things to ensure success and great music making. 

These “Be” Attitudes will create an environment of creativity and avenue for passionate musicianship. 

-          Be Engaged

-          Be Prepared 

-          Be Respectful 

-          Be Listening 

-          Be Musical 

What happens if student chooses not to Be these things: 

1.      Non-verbal warning 

2.      Verbal warning 

3.      Student/teacher conference 

4.      Lunch Detention 

5.      After School Detention

6.      Referral to Administration

After number 3, a parent or guardian will be called to be notified of the behavior issue and to allow Mr. Epps to seek out a way to improve the student’s behavior and performance in rehearsal. 

**Students who show a pattern of disruptive behavior resulting in destruction of school owned guitars will be in jeopardy of losing the privilege of using a school owned guitar. 

 **Any student that reaches level 6 (referral) may be disallowed on special activities and trips. 

 The teacher will monitor and adjust classroom procedures and schedules as needed.  For specific course objectives and standards, please visit the South Carolina Department of Education at www.ed.sc.gov.