Introductory guitar

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Spring
2014
Course Syllabus
Spring, 2014
Instructor: Joseph Jang

Overview
This course is a guitar course offered to anyone who is interested in learning how to play the
guitar. Each course will require a 10-week time period, which involves one lesson once a week
(additional lessons are not required, but can be made with an appointment with the instructor).
There is a $150 fee at the beginning of the course which will cover class expenses such as strings
and music for the class.
A. Course Description
This course involves a careful examination of the fundamental basics behind the acoustic
guitar. Emphasis will be placed on development of skills and techniques in music overall
music outside of the context of the acoustic guitaras well as playing the acoustic guitar and
understanding its various mechanisms and function. The underlying purpose of this class is to
obtain a deeper understanding and method (one out of many) to playing the guitar, thus the
goal of this course is to get you started on a musical journey with the guitar as your
companion and is not a full understanding of the acoustic guitar.
B. Learning Outcomes/Goals
As a result of participating in this course and upon the completion of the assignments this course
offers, students should achieve understanding in the following objectives:
1. Fundamental Guitar playing skills:
A. Basic techniques such as playing chords, single-line melody, strumming, and chord
transition.
B. Musical skills in developing the ears in following along as well as being about to play
alone.
2. Mechanics of the Acoustic Guitar
A. Understand the various parts that make up the guitar as well as its functions.
B. Perform regular maintenance such as tuning, correct storage & handling, and dealing
with problems when they occur on the instrument.
3. Essential Music skills
A. Gain a better understanding of how sounds are classified (notes & scales)
B. Develop skills to play by yourself and with fellow musicians such in a band setting.
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C. Required Materials
In order to participant in this course, students are expected and required to have the following
materials to every class ready and prepared for the course:
1. Acoustic Guitar
2. Pen/Pencil and Paper
3. Tuner
4. Spare strings*
5. Wiping clothe*
*The following materials are optional
D. Expectations
This course is not a required course, thus students are expected to put their time and effort into
the completion of the assignments this class mandates. In addition, the expectations for this
course is similar to the expectations in a regular classroom setting, therefore similar rules apply
and students are expected to behave within the code of conduct; failure to do so will mostly
likely result in either the notification of the parent, suspension, or expulsion.
E. Assignment Policies
Upon the completion of this course, there will be a final exam on the course material covered
within the breath of this course. Therefore, the completion of each assignment will be crucial to
the success of this exam and to the development of your individual guitar-playing. Furthermore,
there will be a mandatory performance that will showcase your achievements that were
accomplished within the course period.
F. Attendance
This course only offers one class per week (Sunday from 1:30 to 3:30) thus any absence must be
notified at least three days in advance in order to make up the lesson. However, this rule is not
ironclad so please notify the instructor if there are any circumstances that hinder attendance.
G. Classroom Rules of Conduct
1. Students are expected to following instructions and the schedule planned out by the instructor.
2. Students are expected to behave as individuals and as adults.


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Spring
2014
Tentative Schedule
Week Date Topic/Activity
0 Mar. 2 Orientation
Introduction to course
1 Mar. 9 Test for skill level
Review basic music theory, tuning, anatomy, posture, and warm-up
exercises
2 Mar. 16 Further Basic mechanisms & Music Assessment
Music theory variation of chords
Basic scales (shapes for major & minor)
Genres of music
3 Mar. 23 Different Genres and Styles

4 Mar. 30 Further Different Genres and Styles

5 Apr. 6 Playing songs
More strumming patterns
Learn to practice a song
Learn songs
6 Apr. 13 Further playing songs & Midterm
Learn more songs

7 Apr. 20 Further Further playing songs
More songs
Individual strumming
8 Apr. 27 Chord Theory & Power chords
Caged System
Barre chords & capo
9 May. 4 Further Chord Theory & Power chords

10 May. 11 Finals & Musical Direction
Final exam
Evaluation of course
*During the entirety of the course, students will practice individual songs for the final presentation
**The course plan is subject to change according to class direction and unexpected events




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Spring
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Contact Information
Student Information
Name: ___________________
Number: (____)-_____-________
School Grade: _____________
Email Address: _____________

Parent/Guardian Information
Name: _______________
Email Address: _______________
Phone Number: (___)-____-_____
Contact me via: ______________

We have read the course overview and understand the nature of the course. We also understand
that the success of the course is based on the willingness of the student to put in both time and
effort. Furthermore, we understand that this is only a tentative schedule and that it is possible for
deviations to occur.

_________________________ _________________________
Student Signature Parent Signature








For further questions or my contact information
Joseph Jang
jang.josepha@gmail.com
(714)-345-8122