Beginning Guitar

Course Description

The development of fundamental guitar proficiency, through a wide repertoire of folk and popular songs, for students with no previous experience. Must supply a 6-string acoustic guitar.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Perform appropriate fundamental techniques (chord positions, simple melody playing, and strumming/picking patterns) in select folk and popular music.

  • Apply functional literacy in recognizing and playing chords and understanding of standard guitar notations (lead sheets, tablature).

  • Develop aural discrimination skills.

  • Evaluate techniques explored through the course as used by other guitar players.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

Participation and Discussion

15%

Journal Reflections

15%

Video and Self-Evaluations

15%

Quizzes

10%

Midterm Exam

20%

Final Exam

25%

Grading Scale

Percentage

Letter Grade

94 - 100%

A

90 – 93.99%

A -

87 – 89.99%

B +

84 – 86.99 %

B

80 – 83.99 %

B -

77 – 79.99 %

C +

74 – 76.99 %

C

70 – 73.99 %

C -

67 – 69.99 %

D +

64 – 66.99%

D

60 – 63.99 %

D -

0 – 59.99 %

F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance and Participation are graded components of this course. Students must attend class each day with a 6-string acoustic guitar and miss no more than two scheduled classes during the semester. All students' final grade will be penalized at a rate of +/- per absence upon a third absence.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Students must have access to a 6-string acoustic guitar that is both in playable and tunable condition.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.