Letter to Parents (Acoustic Folk Guitar)
September 1, 2009
Dear parents,
I am very excited to be working with your children this year in the "Acoustic Folk Guitar for Beginners" ensemble at KEYS.
This is a group ensemble course designed for those who have no previous experience on the acoustic guitar. Students will learn the basics involved in playing the acoustic guitar, including most major and minor chord patterns and a variety of strumming and finger-picking patterns.
Although previous musical experience (including understanding meter and reading staff notation) will be helpful, they are not necessary at this level, nor will they be stressed in this class. Students will learn to play a variety of types of songs, including traditional, folk, patriotic, and sacred (including both classic and contemporary worship songs and traditional hymns). Second semester will involve some beginning study of musical theory and notation, although there is not time for a comprehensive study of these things within this course.
The age range for this ensemble is ages ten to adult, and the class size limit is twelve students. If there are openings remaining in the class (which I will not know until the first class meeting) and you or any other parent is interested in learning to play the guitar, I will be accepting "parent students" on a first-come, first-served basis until the class is full.
Students must have daily access to a guitar at home; they will be expected to keep a practice log and to practice regularly and consistently the things learned in class.The bulk of the evaluation for the grade in this course will be evidence of consistent and faithful practice and mastery of the material.
The supply fee for this course will be $25 per semester. This fee will cover the book(s) used for the course (which I have already ordered in bulk for your student) and a "library fee" to cover the cost of duplication of handouts and thepurchase of supplemental materials (songbooks, musical recordings, etc). You may choose to pay $25 at the start of each semester, or pay one lump sum of $50 at the outset, whichever you prefer. Please make your check(s) payable to Laurie Sitterding.
Each student will also need to have an electric tuner for the guitar. If you do not already own one, I will be happy to purchase one for you. Please include an extra $20 with your supply fee if you would like me to get an electric tuner for your child.
If you have any questions or concerns at any time throughout the year concerning your child's progress in the course, feel free to email me or call me at home before 9 p.m.
I thank you for the privilege of working with your children this year, and I am very much looking forward to helping them learn to play the guitar!
Sincerely,
Laurie Sitterding
404-3245 (cell phone)
ParksidePedagogy@gmail.com (email)
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