Course Syllabus

Course: MUSC 2576

Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Music
Title: Class Guitar: Intermediate

Semester Approved: Spring 2024
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2028
End Semester: Fall 2029

Catalog Description: This course provides students with instruction in the fundamentals of guitar beyond the beginner level. Students will learn to construct basic chords and focus on strumming and fingerpicking patterns. Students will be expected to learn both standard notation and tablature. This course is repeatable for credit. Course fee.

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 1; Lab: 0
Repeatable: Yes.


Prerequisites: MUSC 1576, or instructor's permission.

Justification: There is great demand for guitar instruction among the general student population. Courses like this one are common at other USHE institutions. This course provides a low cost introduction to a musical skill that will last a lifetime.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will demonstrate and ability to construct open and barred chords in multiple voicings. This outcome will be assessed via periodic playing tests, and the mid-term and final exam.

Students will demonstrate competence in fingerpicking and strumming patterns.  This outcome will be assessed via periodic playing tests, and the mid-term and final exam.

Students will demonstrate an ability to read both standard notation and tablature.  This outcome will be assessed via periodic playing tests, and the mid-term and final exam.


Content:
The content of this course will include: basic and intermediate level chords, a variety of fingerpicking and strumming patterns, standard notation and tablature, an introduction to improvisation, and performing and studying historical and cultural context of a variety of literature and musical styles that relate to both acoustic and electric guitar.Few instruments are utilized in a greater selection of music across cultures, national styles, and time periods than guitar. This makes it a uniquely suited instrument for bringing together students of any and all backgrounds to explore the foundations of this versatile instrument.

Key Performance Indicators:
Playing Tests 30 to 35%

Mid-Term Exam 30 to 35%

Final Exam 30 to 35%


Pedagogy Statement:
This course will be delivered via hands on demonstration and instruction. Students of all cultures and backgrounds will be welcomed into an inclusive learning environment.

Instructional Mediums:
Lecture

Maximum Class Size: 15
Optimum Class Size: 12