Beginning Guitar Syllabus

Course Title: Beginning Guitar Academic Year: 2008-2009

Teacher: Mr. Taylor Grade Level: 9-12

Description: Students will be instructed in learning all aspects of producing a sound on the acoustic guitar along with music reading, music theory, and selected historical, cultural and technical contributions.

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Mr. Taylor’s contact information: phone number: (415)-749-3430, ext. 3556, email: jmtbass@aol.com

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Objectives:

1. Students will be assisted in developing proper posture: care of instrument; tuning and stringing; reading notes in first position; basic rhythms and symbols; basic strums and first position chords.

2. Students will gain knowledge of music theory and written notation, music history and multicultural contributions.

3. Students will develop performance skills on the guitar as they participate in disciplined and directed group and individual activities in listening, playing and dictation.

4. Students will continue to be aided in discriminating among the various music styles of this country and from around the world.

5. Students will continue to communicate their feelings and will make judgments about musical performances and on selected listening assignments and recordings.

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The objectives and activities of this class are in alignment with the Visual and Performing Arts Challenge Standards for music. The five standards are as follows:

Standard 1. Artistic Perception

Processing, analyzing and responding to sensory information through the language and skills unique to the arts.

Music Descriptor: Students listen to, analyze and describe music using music terminology. They read and write music.

Standard 2. Creative Expression

Creating, performing, and participating in the arts.

Music Descriptor: Students develop vocal and instrumental skills in order to perform a varied repertoire of music. They compose and arrange music and improvise melodies, variations and accompaniments.�

Standard 3. Historical and Cultural Context

Understanding historical and cultural dimensions of the arts.

Music Descriptor: Students develop knowledge and skills necessary to understand and perform music from all parts of the world. They investigate the relationship of music to history and culture.

Standard 4. Aesthetic Valuing

Responding to, analyzing, and making judgments about works of art.

Music Descriptor: Students describe, analyze, interpret, and derive meaning from musical works. They develop criteria, then make critical judgments about and determine the quality of musical experiences and performances based on elements and principles of music.

Standard 5. Connections, Relations, Applications

Connecting and applying what is learned in each art form to learning in other art forms, subject areas and careers.

Music Descriptor: Students apply what they learn in music to learning in other subject areas. They develop competencies in problem solving, communication skills, working with others, management of time and resources, all of which contribute to lifelong learning and career skills.

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Activities:

1. Playing songs, chords, scales and exercises on an acoustic guitar

2. Rhythmic, melodic and harmonic dictation and music games

3. In class assignments, theory quizzes and performance tests

4. Guided listening, research, recording and class discussion

Materials:

1. Spanish style acoustic guitar and music provided by the teacher.

2. 3 ring binder with dividers and pencil provided by the student. Bring it every day!

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Grading Policy: Academic grades will be affected by performance in four areas. A typical six week example:

In class participation (25 pts./week X 6 weeks) 150 points

Music portfolio 60 points

Quizzes, Final Exam 40 points

Performance Tests (1 test each week x 6 weeks) 120 points

Total 370 points

100%-90% of total points = A 89-80% = B 79-70% = C 69-60% 59% and below= F

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In-class participation points awarded 5 points per class period and 10 points on block days.

Be Punctual +1 (Be in seat when bell rings)

Be Prepared +1 (Bring portfolio, pencil and other materials)

Be Positive +1 (Maintain a positive attitude)

Be Persistent +1 (Stay on task, keep focused, don’t give up right away)

Be Perceptive +1 (Listen to the teacher, other students and your own sound)

Citizenship grade is derived from in-classroom participation, absences and tardies.

3 tardies = 1 absent, 3 absents = 1 cut, 3 cuts = U for citizenship.

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Attendance:

Attendance will be taken daily at the beginning of class. All absences and tardies are recorded and affect the in-class participation portion of your grade. It is the responsibility of the student to show a re-admit slip to the teacher within three days of returning to class. Students are expected to make up missed class work and tests. Ask the teacher or another student for help.

Make up tests for full credit are only given for excused absences. Makeup tests with no excused absences marked down 2 letter grades.

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Teacher expectations: The following is expected from every student:

1. Respect yourself, others, the teachers, instruments and all equipment.

2. Follow directions quickly and quietly.

3. Actively and positively participate in class.

4. Allow other students to learn at their own pace.

5. Always bring your music portfolio and a pencil to class.

6. Stay in your seat unless given permission to leave.

7. Raise your hand if you have a comment, question or need help.

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School Rules: No hats or headwear. Cell phones must be turned off and out of sight.

No electronics (MP3 players, hand held games, etc) without permission.

No food or drink while playing instruments.

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Student Column Parent/Guardian Column

___ I understand the objectives and activities of the class. ___ I understand the objectives and activities of the class.

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___ I understand the materials and grading policy. ___ I will supply my child with the required materials and understand how my child will be graded.

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___I understand the attendance policy and expectations. ___I understand the attendance policy and expectations.

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___I understand and will follow the class rules. ___I understand the class rules my child will need to follow.

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___I agree to ask for help if I don’t understand what I ___I understand my child should ask for help if he/she does

am learning in class. not understand what he/she is learning in class.

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______________________date_______ _______________________date_______

Student’s Signature Parent’s Signature

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_______________________ ______________________

Student’s name (print clearly ) Parent’s name (print clearly)

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________________________ ________________________ ________________________

Student’s cell phone Home phone Parent’s cell phone

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________________________ ___________________________

Student’s email address Parent’s email address