On August 13, 2025, each student enrolled in Guitar class received a copy of the class information and expectations. The same information is posted here:
Guitar class is a regular part of your daily school schedule. You will attend music class four days each week, just like each of your other classes. Three days will be "regular" class period length, and one day will be a “block” period of 82 minutes.
WHAT WILL WE LEARN IN CLASS?
This class is intended for students beginning to learn to play the guitar. Students will learn at least the following skills and can then apply the skills to whatever type of music they prefer:
* how to hold the guitar,
* how to tune the guitar,
* how to play chords and read chord frames,
* how to read and play music using treble clef music notation,
* how to find notes on the guitar fretboard,
* how to play with other guitarists in an ensemble.
HOW WILL WE BE GRADED?
We will focus on three Music Standards and three Learning Behavior Standards for your learning this year.
The standards are listed here. Assignments will be tied to these standards and your achievement/feedback will be documented in PowerSchool. You should look at PowerSchool regularly for feedback from me about your learning. At the end of each quarter, an overall mastery level will be reported for each standard addressed during the quarter.
* Music Theory – Understand Music Basics - Be a Self-Directed Learner
* Instrumental Skills – Demonstrate Ability to Play Instrument - Set Goals and Meet Them
* Ensemble Skills – Make Music with Others - Make Responsible Decisions
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Instrument: Each student is required to provide his/her own guitar each day for class beginning Monday, 8/18/25. An acoustic guitar is preferred, although an unplugged electric guitar is acceptable if necessary (no amplifiers will be used in class). Local music stores rent and sell guitars – try West Valley Music, Gryphon Stringed Instruments, Peninsula Music and Repair, Starving Musician, Guitar Center, etc. Instruments may be stored in the music room during the day and/or overnight. Please put your first and last name on a nametag on the outside of your guitar case.
Music: Students will be assigned school-owned lesson books that will be returned to me at the end of the semester. Students will also be given additional sheet music and are responsible for its care. A folder will be provided to store class materials safely, but students may use their own folder if they prefer.
Concert Uniform: Students must provide and wear the following outfit for our evening Winter Concert in December: Black dress pants, white shirt, black socks, black shoes.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF US AS MUSIC STUDENTS?
* Arrive to class on time, prepared with instrument, music, and pencil,
* Follow directions and class rules at all times,
* Show respect for peers, teacher, and equipment,
* Ask for help when needed,
* Try your best at all times,
* Show personal responsibility by practicing at home in order to build and maintain skills,
* Regularly check our Google Classroom for communication and check PowerSchool for feedback.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED PERFORMANCES?
The Egan Winter concert presented for the community will be on Thursday, 12/11/25, at 7:00 p.m. and will include performances by many Egan music groups, including Guitar Class. An additional concert of the same music will be performed for the school during the school day on 12/12/25. Every member of an ensemble is important and necessary for performances, much like a sports team. Each performance functions as an assessment and is part of each student’s grade. Please put these dates on your calendar now, and avoid scheduling anything else for these times.
WHAT ABOUT PRACTICING AT HOME?
Practice at home is necessary to reinforce classroom learning. Students need time and focus by themselves in order to process what has been done in class, and to build their individual skills. Developing ‘practicing skills’ is an important part of growing as a musician. Students are expected to document their practicing goals and minutes, and turn them in on a practice sheet. 100 minutes per week of practicing is the expectation, and students may spread this time out among the days of the week as they choose (Monday – Sunday).
WHAT IF I (OR MY PARENTS) HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. I am looking forward to a great year of music-making!
Sincerely,
E-mail: aspector@lasdschools.org Phone: 650-917-2200 Anne Spector