LAS VEGAS ACADEMY OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
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Course: Guitar
Instructor: Mr. Swick
COURSE SCOPE:
This course is designed to assist students in playing the guitar. Students will
receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the guitar on all levels and
will learn many of the different styles, skills and techniques required to become a successful
musician. Areas of concentration include: correct posture, note-reading, aural skills, rhythmic
patterns, chord study, finger-picking styles, melody construction, musical forms and
performing experiences.
COURSE GOALS FOR BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE CLASSES:
1. To develop independence and strength in both left and right hands.
2. To learn to recognize and know the placement of all notes in both first and fifth positions.
3. To learn to recognize and execute intermediate-level rhythms.
4. To analyze simple chord progressions and be able to play the guitar as an accompaniment instrument.
5. To learn to read multiple voices and play the guitar as a solo instrument.
6. To be able to perform two octaves Major, Mixolydian and Dorian scales in every key.
7. To be able to perform two octave arpeggios for all Major, Mixolydian, and Dorian scales.
8. To learn to execute dynamics, timbre and tempo.
COURSE GOALS FOR ADVANCED CLASS
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To enrich and enhance the life of each student through music.
2. To develop in each student a respect for music.
3. To cultivate responsibility and mutual respect among students.
4. To understand the basic elements of music: melody, harmony and rhythm.
5. To experience music as a tool of individual and group expression.
6. To become familiar with the music of various cultures, ages and styles.
7. To deal with the discipline and challenges of learning a musical instrument.
8. To develop skills of critical analysis.
9. To share the result in the form of live performance.
COURSE OUTLINE AND DESCRIPTION
Guitar will be a foundation for playing in a wide variety of styles. Students will learn both the
melodic side of the guitar as well as how to use the guitar as an accompaniment instrument.
Right-hand techniques will include playing with a flat pick as well as finger-style. Left-hand
techniques will include learning all of the notes in various positions, major scales in all keys
and chords in all keys. Improvisation and introductory music writing will be discussed and
encouraged.
FOUR-YEAR OUTLINE
First Year
Complete "First Position Studies" 1-16
Complete "Jazz Rhythms" 1-16
Complete "Right-Hand Preparatory", "Book One," "Book Two," "Thomas Coffey," and
"Book Three" from the classical guitar Repertoire Series
Learn and perform assigned parts to various ensemble pieces for a minimum of four performances
Second Year
Complete "Wohlfahrt Studies" 1-16
Complete "Jazz Rhythms" 17-32
Complete "Gasper Sanz," "Robert DeVisee," "Ferdinando Carulli," and "Matteo Carcassi"
from the classical guitar Repertoire Series
Learn and perform assigned parts to various ensemble pieces for a minimum of four performances
Third Year
Complete "Wohlfahrt Studies" 17-32
Complete "Jazz Rhythms" 33-40 Vol. 1 and studies 1-8 in Vol. 2
Complete "Dionisio Aguado," "Finger-Picking Good," "Mauro Guilianni," and "Fernando Sor"
from the classical guitar Repertoire Series
Learn and perform assigned parts to various ensemble pieces for a minimum of four performances
Perform in a recital
Fourth Year
Complete "Wohlfahrt Studies" 33-36
Complete "C. Rose Studies" 1-12
Complete "Jazz Rhythms" 9-22 Vol 2.
Complete "Finger-Picking Good Vol. 2," "Ferdinando Carulli Vol. 2," "Francisco Tarrega," and
"Heitor Villa-Lobos" from the classical guitar Repertoire Series
Learn and perform assigned parts to various ensemble pieces for a minimum of four performances
Perform in the Senior Recital
REQUIRED DAILY EQUIPMENT
1. Guitar **NOTICE**-for the purpose of definition, the guitar used in guitar class will be an
ACOUSTIC, NYLON, 6-STRING guitar. Students are strongly recommended to provide privately
owned instruments for use in rehearsals, concerts and home practice. Good
quality instruments are available at reasonable rates to purchase or rent at several music
stores in the area. Remember, when inquiring about an instrument, the guitar must be an
ACOUSTIC, NYLON, 6-STRING guitar.
2. Guitar picks (student’s choice of thickness)
3. 3-Ring binder with pockets with subject dividers and notebook paper
4. Pencil
5. Guitar polishing cloth
School instruments may be available on a limited basis for classroom use only. NO
SCHOOL-OWNED GUITARS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR HOME USE. Each student is
expected to have his/her 3-ring binder, a pencil and a polish cloth each and every day. Failure
to have these required items in class will result in the loss of daily participation points.
LAB FEES
All students participating in any guitar class will be responsible for paying a $20 lab fee each
semester, or a total of $40 per school year for guitar majors due at the beginning of the school year.
This lab fee covers costs otherwise not covered in the annual budget as well as membership into the
LVA Guitar Club. Fees include maintenance of classroom guitars, guitar club annual dues, replacement
strings, Solo Repertoire Books (which students keep), technique books such as "Jazz Rhythms
Vol. 1 & 2," "First Position Studies," "Fifth Position Studies," "Chord Melodies Vol. 1 & 2,"
etc. (all which students keep). The $40 fee is due at the first of the school year before supplies and
instruments are distributed. All fees should be paid no later than September 30.
GUITAR CLUB
Every guitar major will be a member of the Las Vegas Academy Guitar Club. The semester lab
fees will also cover the club fee dues. Officers of the Guitar Club will meet at least once a
month and have direct input on all finances and club activities including trips, after school activities,
guest performers, purchases of materials, performances, etc.
INSURANCE
The school’s insurance policy DOES NOT cover instruments owned by the student. If theft
or other damage occurs at school, the instrument IS NOT COVERED by the school’s policy.
Students are encouraged to take their instruments home every day after school.
GRADING PROCEDURES
Students will have a playing test every other week which will consist of two pieces. One will
be a "Jazz Rhythm Study," and the other will be a "First Position Study, Wohlfahrt Study or
C. Rose Study," depending on the level of the student. The student will perform these pieces
using computer software in which the software determines the student's grade based on
precision and accuracy.
The following week each student will have the opportunity to perform 3 solo pieces for
the class. These pieces will be graded on a pass/fail bases. Each piece is worth 33.3%
and the weekly grade will be recorded. By the end of the quarter, each student must complete a minimum
of 9 pieces (out of a possible 12) to receive an "A" and/or 8 pieces to receive a "B". Any amount less
than 8 (out of 12) solo pieces passed per quarter is consideration for repeating the current level or
moving to a lower level if the student is in Varsity 3 Guitar Ensemble.
Each student’s grade will be determined by the total amount of accumulated points at
the end of each nine-week period. The grading scale is as follows:
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
0% - 59% = F
The quarter grade also includes concert and rehearsal attendance, daily attendance and participation,
concert dress, and a quarterly peer review. The semester grade will include a final exam which will count for a total of 10% if the semester grade. The semester jury will count as 5% of the semester grade and the semester written exam will count as 5% semester grade. The remaining 90% will be the average of the two quarter grades making up the semester.
DAILY PARTICIPATION, DAILY ATTENDANCE AND CONCERT
ATTENDANCE
Because of the nature of this activity, personal attendance, attitude and participation in daily
rehearsals affect the product of the entire ensemble. For this reason, great importance is placed
on this area. Please keep this in mind when contemplating tardiness, absences and behavior in
class.
Every member of the guitar class is a key performer and has a vital role in the musical ensemble.
The success of the entire ensemble depends upon EVERYONE attending each
performance. PERFORMANCES ARE NOT OPTIONAL! PERFORMANCES ARE A
REQUIRED PART OF THE CLASS. Dates and times of a performance will be announced
well in advance. Students will be dismissed from performances in the guitar classroom only after
the stage has been completely cleared and all equipment has been returned to the classroom.
Students leaving before dismissal time will receive no credit for participation for the performance.
A missed quarterly performance will count for 20% of the grade or 2 letter grades. Any student
not in complete concert attire will lose 10% or 1 letter grade of the quarter grade.
PEER REVIEW
All students are required to complete a Peer Review each quarter, or a total of four per year.
Students will attend a school music performance other than a guitar performance and complete a
Peer Review Critique. Failure to complete a quarterly Peer Review will result in the loss of
one letter grade OR 10% for the quarter grade. All Peer Reviews are due 3 school days following
the event.
CONCERT DRESS
The uniform for formal public performances for Varsity 2 & 3 boys will be a black tuxedo, white formal shirt,
black bow tie and black socks and black shoes. Girls who would like to wear a tuxedo may do so.
Otherwise, Varsity 2 & 3 girls will be expected to wear a tea-length, black dress with black shoes. This is the
standard dress for all LVA formal music performances.
Each student is responsible for purchasing his/her own uniform. Many students have found
bargains by purchasing used tuxedoes at local tuxedo rental companies. Formal
Fashions at www.formalfashionsinc.com (1-800-528-7909) have complete tuxedos including shirt,
tie and cummerbund. Also, visit www.stageaccents.com or call 1-800-631-1611.
The uniform for informal public performances and trips will include the LVA Music black Polo shirt,
solid black dress pants, solid black belt, solid black socks and solid black dress shoes. Jeans and
tennis shoes are absolutely unacceptable! The black Polo shirt will be made available for sale at
school shortly after school begins. The cost will be around $20. All guitar students are
expected to purchase an LVA Music black Polo shirt. Any student not in complete concert dress
will lose 10% or 1 letter grade for the quarter grade.
Varsity 1 members will not need a tuxedo or formal wear, but will need the Polo shirt, black dress
pants, black belt, black socks and black dress shoes.
DAILY PARTICIPATION POINTS
Each member begins each quarter with 100 points for participation. For block classes, each day
is worth 2.2 points. Students may lose their daily participation points for tardiness, class
disturbance, refusal to participate, missing materials, etc. Lost participation points may not be
made up.
CLASS PLACEMENT
Each student will be placed into a guitar class based on skill level. There are three levels, Varsity 1,
Varsity 2 and Varsity 3. In order for a student to progress to the next level class, he/she must
earn a grade of a "B" or better and a citizenship grade of "S" or better for all four quarters of the
school year. Earning a quarter grade of a "C" or lower may result in the student remaining in
Varsity 1 or Varsity 2 with no promotion. A student in Varsity 3 who does not maintain a "B" average
or better, may be placed in Varsity 2 the following year.
In the event that more students qualify to move to the next level than there are available seats, placement
will be decided by grades and the following additional considerations.
Other considerations for progression to the next level:
1) attend all concerts and rehearsals
2) follow the dress code and uniform requirements for all performances
3) perform a minimum of 8 solos per quarter
4) do not exceed five absences per quarter (20 per school year)
5) Turn in a Peer Review each quarter 3 days following the event
All students will follow the Four-Year Outline described earlier regardless of class placement.
CLASSROOM RULES
In order to guarantee students in the guitar classroom the positive learning climate they
deserve, the following discipline plan is utilized. Every student is expected to:
1. Follow directions.
2. Keep hands, feet and objects to oneself.
3. Play or speak only after being recognized and given permission.
4. Be on time and seated with instrument, pencil, music and polish cloth.
5. Avoid bringing gum, food or beverages into the classroom.
CONSEQUENCES FOR BREAKING CLASS RULES
1. Verbal warning
2. Putting instrument away for the remainder of the class
3. Phone call or note to parents
4. Referral to a dean
Each action will be accompanied by the loss of daily participation points. The
above consequences are not listed in any order. Any one consequence may be used depending
on the severity of the action of the student. Any behavior which disrupts the entire class is
considered cause to be sent to the dean.
Any student in Varsity 2 suspended from 180 days of travel will not be promoted to Varsity 3
the following year. Any student in Varsity 3 suspended from 180 days of travel will be placed
in Varsity 2 the following school year.
FINGERNAILS
Students who choose to play a guitar cannot do so with long fingernails on their left hand.
Fingernails on the left hand must be cut to an appropriate length so that the fingertips can
rest on the fingerboard without the fingernails touching. Fingernails on the right hand should
be shaped to get a combination of flesh and nail when playing finger-style. It is recommended
that all students use a clear nail hardener for the right hand nails. Students should also have
a small manicuring set for shaping the right hand nails to proper length and shape.
TRIPS-VARSITY 3 STUDENTS ONLY
Varsity 3 is the premier guitar ensemble at LVA and frequently competes for the opportunity
to perform at national music conventions and/or national guitar festivals. Every year since the
inception of the guitar program, Varsity 3 has traveled to participate in one or more national
conventions or festivals. These trips are educationally sound and have been the highlight of
many guitar students' experiences at LVA.
All students in Varsity 3 are expected to travel. These trips are NOT OPTIONAL. Any student
wishing not to travel during the school year may opt to be removed from Varsity 3 during the first
week of school.
It is the teacher's discretion if a student travels with the group or not. Considerations include academic
eligibility, classroom behavior, disciplinary record, history with the student, etc.
IN SUMMARY: COSTS AND COMMITMENTS FOR THE LVA GUITAR PROGRAM
COMMITMENTS:
1. LVA guitar classes meet daily for 85 minutes
2. Students are expected to practice daily lessons outside of class.
3. It is recommended that students take private lessons.
4. All guitar class performances are required attendance.
5. Students will have bi-weekly playing exams.
6. Students will have a semester exam and semester jury. The semester jury is a performance
for music faculty outside of the guitar department.
7. Students will attend at least one performance each quarter of student performances other than
guitar and write a Peer Review.
8. From time to time there may be after school rehearsals and weekend commitments
which will all be a part of the final grade.
9. All guitar are members of the LVA Guitar Club.
COSTS:
1. There is a $40 annual lab fee for all guitar classes due at the beginning of the school year.
This covers use of a classroom guitar, replacement strings, music and guitar club dues.
2. Students will be expected to purchase an LVA Polo Shirt. These will be made available through
the school. The cost is approximately $20 and will be part of the required casual attire.
3. Varsity 2 and 3 students will be expected to purchase or rent a black tuxedo for boys and a
tea-length black formal dress for girls. This will be the required formal attire.
4. From time to time there will be festival fees for students participating in Solo & Ensemble
competitions and/or performances.
5. For Varsity 3 students, there will be the cost of 1 or 2 trips.
5. It is recommended that each student own a better-than-beginning quality classical, nylon
string guitar.
THIS HANDBOOK IS ONLY A SUPPLEMENTARY GUIDE FOR GUITAR
MAJORS. EACH STUDENT SHOULD ALSO HAVE A COPY OF THE
MUSIC DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK WHICH COVERS THE DEPARTMENT
WIDE PROCEDURES AND A TENTATIVE CONCERT SCHEDULE FOR THE
ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR.
PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK TO THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK,
SIGN, AND RETURN THE APPROPRIATE PAGES.
Please visit the Performance Schedule and copy the dates into your calendar
and/or planner.
Please sign this portion of the handbook and return it to Mr. Swick.
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STUDENT/PARENT AGREEMENT
I have printed and read the LVA Guitar Class Handbook and Performance Schedule
for the school year. I understand performances and rehearsals are a required part
of the class. I also understand the costs and commitments to the LVA Guitar Program.
I understand this is my child's major course of study at LVA and will assist him/her
in fulfilling the commitments as outlined in this handbook.
_____________________ ____________________________ __________
Student's Name (Please Print) Student's Signature Date
_____________________ ____________________________ __________
Parent's Name (Please Print) Parent's Signature Date
Parent's Email Address: ______________________________________________________
(Please Print)