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Dr. Nicholas DiSalvio » Class Guitar I

Class Guitar I

Guitar Class I

Course Syllabus 2023-2024


Course Name:  Guitar Class I

Teacher:  Dr. Nick DiSalvio

[email protected]

865-829-7770 x3803


Course Content:  Guitar Class is an instrumental music ensemble concentrated on acoustic guitar performance. This class is for students who wish to participate in a performance-based ensemble using guitar and similar instruments to perform music of basic to intermediate difficulty.  Studies will be aligned with the New Jersey Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Standards.


Course Description:  This is a non-auditioned ensemble open to students with a desire to play the guitar. Music skills such as note-reading, chord playing, vocal accompaniment, technical exercises, and sight-reading will be included in course study.   


Course Objectives:  Students will be able to:

  • Perform with basic guitar playing technique
  • Perform the fundamentals of tuning, instrument care, and basic maintenance
  • Identify note names on the guitar fretboard and how to find them
  • Read music notes, rests, music symbols, and guitar tablature from the printed page
  • Read melodies, chords, and scales
  • Identify different music forms, structures, and styles
  • Perform basic strumming and picking patterns/techniques
  • Perform a mixture of different song styles (including traditional, pop, rock, folk, and blues) as soloist, with a partner, and as a group

Required Texts and Resources:

  • A folder (provided by the teacher)
  • Music by various composers and arrangers (provided by the teacher).
  • Sight-reading materials (provided by the teacher).
  • School-provided Yamaha F325D Acoustic Guitar (Students responsible for its care)
  • Notebook and pencils (provided by the student).

Course Policies:

  • Student participation will be graded on a daily basis.  Any student unprepared (without the required materials) or unwilling to participate (doing work from other classes, disrupting rehearsal) will be marked down for the day.  
  • Cost of replacing lost music and/or resources will be the responsibility of the student.  
  • All students are required to follow all policies cited in the student handbook.

Responsibilities:  Students are to:

  • Arrive on time to class, and be ready to work when the bell rings.
  • Bring all required music and materials to class every day.
  • Take notes and mark music as instructed.
  • Turn in any assignments completed and on time.
  • Refrain from eating and chewing gum in class.  Drinking water only in class is allowed due to the physical demands of performing.
  • Treat the teacher and their fellow students with respect.
  • Actively participate in class each day.
  • Refrain from playing when instruction is given.

Evaluation:  The following types of evaluation will be used in this class:

  • Quizzes, worksheets and written assignments.
  • Sight-reading and Prepared Music exams
  • Class participation.
  • Participation in rotations a minimum of two (2) times per marking period.

Rotations:

Rotations must be scheduled during periods when students have study halls or free periods which correspond with Dr. DiSalvio’s office hours.  A list of office hours is posted on the bulletin board outside the Band Room (C135).


Grading Policy:

Quarterly Grade

Weekly Rehearsal Participation: 10 points

Rotations (2 per marking period): 50 points

Tests: 100 points