Beginning Guitar
Instructor: Ms. Rachel Reinecke
rreinecke@salisburysd.org
Course Description:
This class is designed to give the student with no experience playing the guitar an introduction to the many ways that it is played including traditional notation, chordal accompaniment, ensemble literature, and tablature. The goal is to provide students with a foundation that allows them to continue their studies outside of class if they wish to continue playing.
Areas of concentration include note-reading, aural skills, chord studies, composition, critical response and performing opportunities.
Materials:
In this class we use a sequential course of studies written by Bill Swick. It is available digitally on Google Classroom. Additionally we will use a variety of websites primarily for our chordal studies.
What do you need:
Laptop and charger
A folder to organize any paper handouts if they need it,
Grading:
Grades are earned according to the following formula: assignments will be given in each of the following categories
fingerpicking exercises (single note) 30%
chord performances 30%
Written work including theory, compositions, and performance analysis 30%
Small group playing tests (duet/trio material) 10%
Please note: All assignments have a due-date that is listed on the board. Any performance assignment that is not graded by the due-date will be marked zero and that is your grade as of that date and time. All performance grades of zero can be submitted up to 2 weeks late without penalty. Please note that this is a grade extension that allow you to more time to develop your skill, it does not mean that there are no due dates for performances and if you have earned a zero because you did not turn in a performance by the due date and something keeps you from earning those points (such as injury or illness) your zero will stand. Performances completed 2 or more weeks late are subject to a 20% deduction.
Note: in the portal a grade of "00" is a grade that is past due that you can still earn credit for. A grade of "0" cannot be made up. The notation "Ex" does not need to be made up, but the notation "Abs" does (see below).
Written work is rarely accepted late and will incur a 20% late penalty unless the lateness has been approved by the teacher. Grades are traditionally updated on Wednesdays to allow for eligibility. They may be updated more frequently, but Wednesdays are the day I try to ensure that they are caught up.
Phones
Phones are not to be used in class. Students will be asked to keep them in their backpack and will be given a paper bag, if needed, to put their phone in for the duration of class. This keeps it in their possession, but hopefully removes the temptation. Students may receive a disciplinary referral if their phone is a major distraction. If a student is on their phone, they are not parcitipating in class.
Absences:
The notation “abs” will be used for grades when a student is absent and it does not factor into the average and will be used as a grade placeholder until the student returns. It does not mean that the assignment does not need to be made up. If a student misses several classes, the number of performances required will likely be reduced and this will be determined in a student/teacher conference. These grades will be updated at the end of the quarter.
Falcon Periods:
Unfortunately, due to my falcon period schedule, students cannot come down for extra practice or to be graded. There are extra guitars that can be sent to falcon period study halls IF the teacher is ok having a guitar kept in their room. Arrangements must be made in advance for this to happen. Students who fill out Smartpass in hopes of coming down falcon period should not expect it to be accepted. Students with questions should email.
Equipment:
We are using Yamaha guitars. We have both full and ¾ size guitars for use and they will be assigned based on student size and preference. Students will be assigned a guitar to use for the semester and are not to switch without Ms. Reinecke’s permission. Should your guitar break, do not attempt to fix it: bring it to Ms. Reinecke immediately.
Picks, capos, and tuners are also available for use in class.