Raa Guitar Handbook
Beginning and Advanced Guitar, 2019-20
Course Description
The Beginning Guitar class is for those with little or no experience on the guitar, but it may also be the appropriate class for those who can play chords but have not learned to read music or vice versa. We will be learning the basics of guitar technique, reading music, and playing chords. The Advanced Guitar class is a yearlong class and is geared for those who have had some experience on the guitar, can strum basic chords, and read music (it is especially for those who have taken a Beginning Guitar Class or private instruction). There will be a concert at the end of each semester that will feature class ensembles and solos. Other performance opportunities will also be available for the advanced students.
Learning Outcomes
Studying music has been shown to positively affect students’ academic and social performance. Perhaps the most important benefit, however, is the lifetime enjoyment and sense of self-accomplishment that mastering an instrument will bring. It also opens up opportunities for social interaction (playing music in a band, with a church, with friends, etc.) and possible career or part-time job opportunities (performing, teaching). Learning guitar is not easy, but the hard work required to properly learn an instrument is always worth it. Skills learned in this class will include chord strumming, fingerpicking, and music reading. Advanced students will build on beginning skills by learning more advanced chords (including bar chords), more advanced fingerpicking patterns, and more challenging music-reading examples. Various styles such as folk, rock, blues, and classical will be covered in both classes.
Purchasing an Instrument
I will provide guitars for students to use during class. I do not require at-home practice; however, I do encourage those students who own a guitar to practice at home and those without a guitar to practice before school. Owning a guitar is not necessary for this class. If a student wishes to purchase a guitar I recommend finding a knowledgeable salesperson at a reputable music store (such as Guitar Center or Music Masters). Feel free to email me if you have questions about purchasing an instrument.
Before-School Practice days will be announced. They are encouraged but not required.
Classroom Rules
In addition to school-wide rules (such as not chewing gum, following the uniform code, and not having cell phones in class), I emphasize the following rules:
Student Responsibilities
Guitar Class Procedure
Citizenship Grading Scale
Grading
Performance Rubric:
Proper posture and hand position, correct fingering, correct notes, correct rhythms, steady tempo, musicality
Writing Assignment Rubric:
Use of proper grammar, correctness of information, intelligence of thought, organization
Grading Scale
A - Class material was mastered and all requirements were met.
B – Good progress was made on class materials and requirements.
C – Some progress was made but many improvements are needed.
D – Very little progress was made. The student may be lacking in focus during class or may need to come in before school for assistance.
F – Very little effort was made in class.
Required Supplies
Students will need a pencil and guitar picks. Picks can be purchased at Guitar Center, Music Masters, or amazon.com. Any brand is fine, but I recommend medium gauge (if a student is used to light or heavy picks, those are also acceptable). Picks may also be purchased from me for $1.00 for 2 picks. Your purchase of picks through me helps provide funds for classroom supplies.
Class Fee
There is no class fee, but donations to help us replace worn-out books, guitar strings, and guitars are gratefully accepted. A donation letter (see attached or download from the www.raaguitar.weebly.com) must be submitted along with your donation. Please make checks payable to Raa Middle School and make sure that they have an address and a phone number (school policy). Thank you so much!
Concerts
There will be one required concert towards the end of each semester. Information on these concerts and other performance opportunities for advanced students will be sent prior to each event.
Contact Information
Please check the Raa Guitar Website for updates and other information – raaguitar.weebly.com
Email (preferred method of contact) – [email protected]
Leave a phone message at Raa with a good time to call you back – (850) 488-6287
I look forward to working with parents and students this year. Please feel free to keep in touch with me if you have any questions or comments.
Thank you,
Joshua Lessard
Raa Middle School Guitar Instructor
Beginning and Advanced Guitar, 2019-20
Course Description
The Beginning Guitar class is for those with little or no experience on the guitar, but it may also be the appropriate class for those who can play chords but have not learned to read music or vice versa. We will be learning the basics of guitar technique, reading music, and playing chords. The Advanced Guitar class is a yearlong class and is geared for those who have had some experience on the guitar, can strum basic chords, and read music (it is especially for those who have taken a Beginning Guitar Class or private instruction). There will be a concert at the end of each semester that will feature class ensembles and solos. Other performance opportunities will also be available for the advanced students.
Learning Outcomes
Studying music has been shown to positively affect students’ academic and social performance. Perhaps the most important benefit, however, is the lifetime enjoyment and sense of self-accomplishment that mastering an instrument will bring. It also opens up opportunities for social interaction (playing music in a band, with a church, with friends, etc.) and possible career or part-time job opportunities (performing, teaching). Learning guitar is not easy, but the hard work required to properly learn an instrument is always worth it. Skills learned in this class will include chord strumming, fingerpicking, and music reading. Advanced students will build on beginning skills by learning more advanced chords (including bar chords), more advanced fingerpicking patterns, and more challenging music-reading examples. Various styles such as folk, rock, blues, and classical will be covered in both classes.
Purchasing an Instrument
I will provide guitars for students to use during class. I do not require at-home practice; however, I do encourage those students who own a guitar to practice at home and those without a guitar to practice before school. Owning a guitar is not necessary for this class. If a student wishes to purchase a guitar I recommend finding a knowledgeable salesperson at a reputable music store (such as Guitar Center or Music Masters). Feel free to email me if you have questions about purchasing an instrument.
Before-School Practice days will be announced. They are encouraged but not required.
Classroom Rules
In addition to school-wide rules (such as not chewing gum, following the uniform code, and not having cell phones in class), I emphasize the following rules:
- Books, guitars, and guitar stands must be kept clean of graffiti and treated carefully
- Students must only use appropriate language in class
- Students must participate in allclass activities every day
Student Responsibilities
- Follow all classroom and school rules and procedures. 2. Perform your best at the concert. 3. Take good care of the instrument you are using. 4. Keep your fingernails short. 5. Put forth 100% effort at all times.
Guitar Class Procedure
- Students will line up in the hallway and enter the classroom together.
- Students are to carefully take a guitar from the wall and sit in their assigned seats.
- Students are to begin the warm-up (posted on the board) as the teacher checks tuning.
- Students are to be focused on class activities.
- Students may only leave for the restroom with a pass and teacher permission. They must return promptly.
- Students may notpack up their guitars until asked to do so by the teacher.
Citizenship Grading Scale
- = Exceeds Expectations 3 = Consistently Meets Expectations
- = Inconsistently Meets Expectations 1 = Rarely Meets Expectations
Grading
Performance Rubric:
Proper posture and hand position, correct fingering, correct notes, correct rhythms, steady tempo, musicality
Writing Assignment Rubric:
Use of proper grammar, correctness of information, intelligence of thought, organization
Grading Scale
A - Class material was mastered and all requirements were met.
B – Good progress was made on class materials and requirements.
C – Some progress was made but many improvements are needed.
D – Very little progress was made. The student may be lacking in focus during class or may need to come in before school for assistance.
F – Very little effort was made in class.
Required Supplies
Students will need a pencil and guitar picks. Picks can be purchased at Guitar Center, Music Masters, or amazon.com. Any brand is fine, but I recommend medium gauge (if a student is used to light or heavy picks, those are also acceptable). Picks may also be purchased from me for $1.00 for 2 picks. Your purchase of picks through me helps provide funds for classroom supplies.
Class Fee
There is no class fee, but donations to help us replace worn-out books, guitar strings, and guitars are gratefully accepted. A donation letter (see attached or download from the www.raaguitar.weebly.com) must be submitted along with your donation. Please make checks payable to Raa Middle School and make sure that they have an address and a phone number (school policy). Thank you so much!
Concerts
There will be one required concert towards the end of each semester. Information on these concerts and other performance opportunities for advanced students will be sent prior to each event.
Contact Information
Please check the Raa Guitar Website for updates and other information – raaguitar.weebly.com
Email (preferred method of contact) – [email protected]
Leave a phone message at Raa with a good time to call you back – (850) 488-6287
I look forward to working with parents and students this year. Please feel free to keep in touch with me if you have any questions or comments.
Thank you,
Joshua Lessard
Raa Middle School Guitar Instructor
advanced_guitar_tracking_sheet.docx | |
File Size: | 106 kb |
File Type: | docx |
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Donations are greatly appreciated to keep the Raa Guitar Department strong; however, I am not allowed to accept donations without a donation letter. You may compose your own or print out and fill in the one below to send in with your donation. Please send in cash or check or money order made out to Raa Middle School. Thank you!
donation_letter.docx | |
File Size: | 35 kb |
File Type: | docx |