COURSE SYLLABUS – LARRY FERRARA – MUS-6A

Beginning Classical Guitar

City College of San Francisco

 

Course Code                                       MUS 6A, CRN: 72577, Section 001

Course Title                                         Elementary Classical Guitar (1 credit)

 

Instructor                                            Larry Ferrara

Phone                                                  Office:  (415) 239 3856

Email                                                    lferrara@ccsf.edu

Class Meeting Time                              Wednesday and Friday, 1:00-2:30 PM

Location                                              Creative Arts Building, Room A214

Office Hours                                        Wednesday, 2:30-3:30 PM, Office A129

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introduction to the technique and musical language of the classical guitar and the study of other musical styles which may include, jazz, folk, blues, or any other type of popular music. All students will be expected to learn to read some music using standard western notation. In addition, other forms of guitar notation such as tablature, chord charts, rote learning, or other modern methods will also be used.

 

Each lesson will include a warm-up of scales, arpeggios and exercises, a review of the previously assigned material, and an assignment of new music.  Choices of music for new assignments will be based on a progressive selection of pieces moving from easy to more difficult as students begin to develop their skills while mastering current and previous works.

 

STUDENT OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will further their guitar skills on several levels:

            1. Development of classical guitar techniques, as well as other guitar methods

            2. Accurate intonation and tuning of the guitar

            2. Fluency in reading music

3. Play and understand basic music fundamentals including intervals, scales, chords, arpeggios and see how they function in music

            4. Perform solo and ensemble works

5. Learn to play major, minor, and seventh chords on guitar and apply appropriate arpeggios or chord strums to provide for a creative accompaniment.

6. Produce a good sound based on principals of tone production

7. Understand techniques of interpretation and expression

            8. Exposure to a variety of musical styles

 

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Students will be evaluated based on the following:

1.      Lesson attendance

2.      Progress on specific exercises, musical pieces and techniques

3.      Performance evaluation

4.      Completion of  Guitar Notespeller

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

Instruction includes in class coaching, teacher demonstration, student participation and lecture.

 

TEXTBOOKS

            Guitar Expressions by Aaron Stang, Published by Warner Bros, 2005. ISBN:0-7579-2297

            Guitar Notespeller by Aaron Shearer, Published by Warner Bros. ISBN 0-89898-697-4

            Study Guide, by Lawrence Ferrara and Bob Davis, CCSF publication

 

NOTESPELLER:

Students will be expected to keep up the written exercises in, Guitar Notespeller, a note recognition and theory workbook. There will be bi-weekly entries that coincide with class room work and assignments and should be considered part of daily practice.

 

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to be present at each class. Regular attendance is essential for a successful completion of this course. Much of the class time will be spent using your guitar to realize musical concepts and developing technique, therefore any missed classes will be time lost.

 

GRADING POLICY

            Your grade will be determined by the following standard:

            Weekly lesson attendance and preparation                      50%

            Musical progress and improvement                                 20%

            Guitar Notespeller                                                          15%

            Performance                                                                 15%

                                                                                                100%

RECITALS

Mini-recitals:  We will have two mini-recitals during the semester with dates and times to be announced.  This will give students the chance to play for and listen to fellow students, and help them become accustomed to performing in front of others.

Final Recital:  Each student will agree with the instructor on one or two pieces to perform at a student recital at the end of the semester. The performances will most likely be solo, but may include an ensemble as well.