Guitar Technique and Repertoire Development II

Course Description:

Students will develop their technique and knowledge of performance practice on the guitar
through prepared selections and technical requirements from the Royal Conservatory Music
Development Series, Levels 3 and Level 4 and Aaron Shearer’s Learning the Classic Guitar
Part Two. Through a thorough survey of the guitar literature, students will explore musical
interpretation, healthy instrumental technique, music theory, and music history. Further, it is
the aim of the course to draw connections to a larger cultural context using the guitar, as a
solo instrument, as its vehicle. Guitar Technique and Repertoire Development II works to
develop a holistic musician that can meet the demands and growing sophistication of a graded
repertoire. Supplemental materials include rhythmic exercises found in Hall’s Studying
Rhythm Chapters 6 – 9, sight reading from Benedict’s Sight Reading for the Classical Guitar
Levels 4 – 5, as well as a variety of ear training exercises (interval identification, melodic
“playback” dictations) as it relates to the guitar.
 Guitar Technique and Repertoire Development II
Rationale for Course Addition or Change:

The state of guitar education in the American public school system is that of nascent
excitement. Throughout the country, “pockets” of emerging guitar programs have proven
viable, economical, inspiring, and fully capable of achieving a level of excellence as a peer
with its band, choral, and orchestral counterparts. The challenge in the delivery of high
quality guitar education lies within the infrastructure. Guitar, as an extension of music
education, is marginalized in terms of certification. Consequently, the depth of revealing the
guitar, as an instrument of utmost collaborative and expressive potential, is not often
transmitted in the hands of a non-specialist. This issue begs a “chicken or egg” style question;
will educational institutions provide a teacher certification that provides a track for the unique
demands of a guitar program, or will schools provide a model for teacher preparation
programs?

The aim of Guitar Technique and Repertoire Development II is to broaden the pedagogical
approach of learning the guitar and to present an expanded curriculum that can sustain a
young musician’s holistic development throughout the entirety of his/her school career while
providing resources for a lifetime of music making. Further, the addition of this course
represents a paradigm shift in developing a model for future magnet programs to adopt.
Interest in such is widely held throughout the state of Kentucky and the country at large.

The current course offerings of Applied Guitar 1 – 4, are by no means replaceable, but rather,
have the potential to compliment this requested course addition in a profound way. Applied
Guitar 1 – 4, by virtue of necessity, will utilize a guitar ensemble as its medium for public
performance and assessment. The skills honed in this setting are invaluable and we have
already bared witness to their positive effects in music education. Guitar Technique and
Repertoire Development II strengthens the sum of its parts from the Applied Guitar courses. It
allows for more depth and exploration of the guitar as a polyphonic solo instrument and more
individual evaluation and choices in discovering guitar literature.
 Recommended Course Text or Resources Used:

Guitar Technique and Repertoire Development II

• Bridges Guitar Repertoire and Etudes Level 3
• Publisher: Frederick Harris Music Co. (January 1, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 1554404320
• ISBN-13: 978-1554404322

• Bridges Guitar Repertoire and Etudes Level 4

• Publisher: Frederick Harris Music Co. (January 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554404339
• ISBN-13: 978-1554404339

• Studying Rhythm – Anne C. Hall

• Publisher: Pearson; 3 edition (August 28, 2004)
• ISBN-10: 0130406023
• ISBN-13: 978-0130406026

Bridges - Guitar Technique

• Publisher: Frederick Harris Music Co. (January 1, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 155440438X
• ISBN-13: 978-1554404384

Learning the Classic Guitar: Part 1 – Aaron Shearer

• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (November 1, 1990)
• ISBN-10: 0871668548
• ISBN-13: 978-0871668547

Learning the Classic Guitar: Part 2 – Aaron Shearer

Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (November 1, 1990)
ISBN-10: 0871668556
ISBN-13: 978-0871668554
What Every Musician Needs to Know About the Body: The Application of Body Mapping
to Making Music - Barbara Conable
• Publisher: G I A Pubns (February 1, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 096225956X
• ISBN-13: 978-0962259562

A Concise History of the Classical Guitar – Graham Wade

Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (August 1, 2001)
ISBN-10: 078664978X
ISBN-13: 978-0786649785

Sight Reading for the Classical Guitar Levels 4 and 5 – Robert Benedict
Publisher: Alfred Music (March 1, 1985)
ISBN-10: 0769212859
ISBN-13: 978-0769212852

Guitar Technique and Repertoire Development II

Alignment with Kentucky Core Academic Standards

HS Advanced MU:Cr1.1.C.III

Describe and demonstrate multiple ways in which sounds and musical ideas can be used to
represent extended sonic experiences or abstract ideas.

HS Advanced MU:Cr3.1.C.III
Research, identify, explain, and apply personally developed criteria to assess and refine the
technical and expressive aspects of evolving drafts leading to final versions.

HS Advanced MU:Cr3.2.C.III

a. Share music through the use of notation, solo or group performance, or technology, and
demonstrate and explain how the elements of music, compositional techniques and processes
have been employed to realize expressive intent.

HS Advanced MU:Pr4.1.C.III

Identify and select specific sections, movements, or entire works that express personal
experiences and interests, moods, visual images, concepts, texts, or storylines in moderately
complex or complex forms.

HS Advanced MU:Pr4.2.C.III

Analyze how the elements of music (including form), and compositional techniques of
selected works relate to the style, function, and context, and explain and support the analysis
and its implications for rehearsal and performance.
HS Advanced MU:Pr4.3.C.III

Develop interpretations of works based on an understanding of the use of elements of music

(including form), compositional techniques, style, function, and context, explaining and
justifying how the interpretive choices reflect the creators’ intent.

HS Advanced MU:Pr5.1.C.III

a. Create rehearsal plans for works, identifying the form, repetition and variation within the
form, compositional techniques, and the style and historical or cultural context of the work.

b. Using established criteria and feedback, identify the ways in which performances use
compositional techniques and convey the formal design, style, and historical/cultural context
of the works.

Guitar Technique and Repertoire Development II

Alignment with Kentucky Core Academic Standards

c. Identify, compare, and implement strategies for improving the technical and expressive
aspects of multiple contrasting works.

HS Advanced MU:Pr6.1.C.III

a. Share live or recorded performances of works (both personal and others’), and explain and/
or demonstrate understanding of how the expressive intent of the music is conveyed. b.
Explain how compositions are appropriate for a variety of audiences and contexts, and how
this will shape future compositions.

HS Advanced MU:Re7.1.C.III

Apply researched or personally-developed criteria to select music that expresses personal

experiences and interests, visual images, concepts, texts, or storylines in moderately complex
or complex forms, and describe and justify the choice as models for composition.

HS Advanced MU:Re7.2.C.III

Analyze aurally and/or by reading the scores of musical works the elements of music
(including form), compositional techniques and procedures, relating them to aesthetic
effectiveness, style, mood, and context; and explain how the analysis provides models for
personal growth as composer, performer, and/or listener.

HS Advanced MU:Re8.1.C.III
Develop, justify and defend interpretations of varied works, demonstrating an understanding of the
composers’ intent by citing the use of elements of music (including form), compositional techniques,
and the style/genre and context of each work.

HS Advanced MU:Re9.1.C.III

a. Evaluate the effectiveness of the technical and expressive aspects of selected music and
performances, demonstrating understanding of theoretical concepts and complex compositional
techniques and procedures.

b. Describe and evaluate ways in which critiquing others’ work and receiving feedback from others
have been specifically applied in the personal creative process.

HS Advanced MU:Cn10.0.C.III

Demonstrate how interests, knowledge and skills relate to personal choices and intent when
creating, performing, and responding to music.
Guitar Technique and Repertoire Development II
Alignment with Kentucky Core Academic Standards

HS Advanced MU:Cn11.0.C.III

Demonstrate understanding of relationships between music and the other arts,

other disciplines, varied contexts, and daily life.

HS Advanced MU:Cr1.1.H.II


Generate melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic ideas for a collection of compositions
(representing a variety of forms and styles), improvisations in several different styles, and
stylistically appropriate harmonizations for given melodies.

HS Advanced MU:Pr4.2.H.III

Identify and describe important theoretical and structural characteristics and context (social,
cultural, and historical) in a varied repertoire of music selected for performance programs that
includes melodies, repertoire pieces, stylistically appropriate accompaniments, and
improvisations in a variety of contrasting styles.

HS Advanced MU:PR4.3.H.II
Explain and present interpretations that demonstrate and describe the context (social, cultural,
and historical) and an understanding of the creator’s intent in repertoire for varied programs
of music that include melodies, repertoire pieces, stylistically appropriate accompaniments,
and improvisations in a variety of contrasting styles

HS Advanced MU:Pr5.1.H.III

Develop and apply criteria, including feedback from multiple sources, to critique varied programs of
music repertoire (melodies, repertoire pieces, stylistically appropriate accompaniments, improvisations
in a variety of contrasting styles) selected for individual and small group performance, and create
rehearsal strategies to address performance challenges and refine the performances.

HS Advanced MU:Pr6.1.H.III

Perform with expression and technical accuracy, in individual and small group performances,
a varied repertoire for programs of music that includes melodies, repertoire pieces,
stylistically appropriate accompaniments, and improvisations in a variety of contrasting
styles, demonstrating sensitivity to the audience and an understanding of the context (social,
cultural, and historical).

Guitar Technique and Repertoire Development II

Alignment with Kentucky Core Academic Standards

HS Advanced MU:Re7.1.H.III

Select, describe, and compare a variety of individual and small group musical programs from
varied cultures, genres, and historical periods.
 Guitar Technique and Repertoire Development II
Syllabus

Required Materials:
Nylon string guitar, metronome, tuner, footstool or support device, pencils.

Required Texts:
Bridges Guitar Repertoire and Etudes Level 3
Publisher: Frederick Harris Music Co. (January 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1554404320
ISBN-13: 978-1554404322

Bridges Guitar Repertoire and Etudes Level 4

Publisher: Frederick Harris Music Co. (January 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1554404339
ISBN-13: 978-1554404339

Studying Rhythm – Anne C. Hall

Publisher: Pearson; 3 edition (August 28, 2004)
ISBN-10: 0130406023
ISBN-13: 978-0130406026

Bridges - Guitar Technique

Publisher: Frederick Harris Music Co. (January 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 155440438X
ISBN-13: 978-1554404384

Sight Reading for the Classical Guitar Levels 4 and 5 – Robert Benedict
Publisher: Alfred Music (March 1, 1985)
ISBN-10: 0769212859
ISBN-13: 978-0769212852

Course Description:
This course provides an environment for students from beginning to intermediate
levels to improve their guitar playing in any style. Through sound, methodical, daily
practice, regular class attendance, and well-practiced assignments, we will develop
and master many concepts of the guitar. Using a variety of repertoire and materials,
the class will address musical interpretation, healthy instrumental technique, music
history, music theory and customized plans to develop the individual student’s guitar
knowledge and appreciation.

Guitar Technique and Repertoire Development II is designed to build on the

fundamental knowledge of the guitar as a solo instrument. This course may enhance
any pre-existing ability on the guitar while providing essential rudiments for further
study as a guitar performance major.

Learning Outcomes:
Continued knowledge of the guitar and its possible functions. The successful student
will be able to perform various standard repertoire of the classical guitar with varying
difficulty.

1. Students will hone their musicianship through solo playing, rhythmic exercises,
figured bass realization, sight reading, and a variety of ear training activities.
2. Students will display a breadth of knowledge of various musical types, styles,
time periods, and cultures.
3. Students will think and reflect critically on musical performances using
appropriate terminology.

Grading:
Final grades are determined by the satisfactory completion of four categories. The
categories carry the following weights:

• Participation (SE) – 20%

o Attendance, punctuality, preparation, organization, class
participation, behavior, work habits, practice ethic
• Assignments (SP) – 30%
o Performance journals, practice assignments, theory worksheets,
practice logs, listening logs, program notes, etc.
• Tests/Quizzes/Projects (SM) – 30%
o Skills audits, written exams, special projects, listening exams, sight
reading quizzes, etc.
• Performance (SM) – 20%
o Public performances, performance class participation, semester
juries, concert attendance

Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

A (Exceeds Standards) ......................................................................................... 90–100%
B (Meets Standards) ............................................................................................... 80–89%
C (Marginally Meets Standards)............................................................................. 70–79%
D (Below Standards) .............................................................................................. 60–69%
U (Unsatisfactory Performance) ........................................................................Below 60%
I—(Incomplete) Incomplete work due to absence must be completed and the grade
recorded within the following timeline:
• Fifteen school days following the end of the first-semester grade distribution.

Participation (SE) (20%):

Participation will require your familiarity with the assignments and preparedness of
any written assignments. These policies are amendments to the official JCPS
attendance guidelines, which supersede any conflict or contradiction with course
amendments. Attendance and class participation is required. This includes daily
participation, practice, attitude, and effort.

Assignments (SP) (30%):

Homework will be due for most class meetings. Learning an instrument demands that
students practice the concepts outside of the class period. Late assignments will be
accepted, however for each class the assignment is late, the grade will be lowered by
10 points. Late assignments will be demarcated in Infinite Campus as L1C (Late 1
Class), L2C, etc. This will not exceed three class periods. Homework will most often
include practicing selections from your repertoire, but may also include reading from
the text or other sources, listening assignments, or worksheet assignments.

Test, Quizzes, Projects (SM) (30%):

Grades in this class will be determined on the following basis:

• Individual and group performance tests.

• Successful completion of various achievement standards based on performance
rubric.
• Objective test on the fundamentals of music as applied to guitar.
• Developing your ability - based on the teacher’s evaluation of your musical aptitude.
Achievement standards will be addressed with each topic.

Performance (SM) (20%):

The key to success in a performance-based class is commitment and consistency.
Additionally, thoughtful observation of professional performers is indispensible in
developing our understanding of the capabilities and potential of the guitar. Students
will be required to perform publically several times throughout the school year.

Conferences:
I will gladly meet with you by appointment should you want to discuss anything
relating to the course.

Academic Honor Code:

It is your responsibility to uphold all components of the Student Academic Code of
Honor. All homework must be completed independent of peer assistance. This
includes dividing work, proofreading, and copying. You are expected to abide by the
same Honor Code during quizzes and exams as well. Proven evidence of cheating
will be punished by strict consequences that may include grade reduction, failing,
suspension, or expulsion.
Classroom Conduct:
Students are expected to exhibit the highest standards of social decorum in the
classroom at all times. Talking out of turn, sleeping during class, arriving late, leaving
early, attempting to influence the class agenda, and other such behaviors will not be
tolerated and are grounds for administrative withdrawal from the class.

Discrimination towards others based on gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity,

race, age, educational level, economic status, or disability will not be tolerated.

Cell phone use is limited to metronome and tuning applications at the discretion of
the teacher. Inappropriate use is subject to disciplinary referral.

Policy on Instructional Modifications:

Students with disabilities, who need reasonable modifications to complete
assignments successfully and otherwise satisfy course criteria, are encouraged to meet with
the instructor as early in the course as possible to identify and plan specific
accommodations.