The student will be able to:
A. tune the guitar.
B. use right hand techniques of rest strokes and free strokes.
C. use proper basic left hand position.
D. read standard notation in the first position.
E. use basic right hand arpeggio techniques and patterns.
F. establish a regular practice routine to ensure efficient practice time.
G. recognize the contributions made in the guitar repertoire from people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

A. Basic classical techniques
1. Sitting position
2. Right hand
a. Rest stroke
b. Free stroke
c. Arpeggios
3. Left hand
a. Finger position
b. Thumb position
c. Stretching and coordination exercises
B. Basic classical repertoire
1. Music from around the world
C. Basic music reading skills
1. Notes
2. Chords
D. Exposure to performance in this art form
1. Live performance
2. Media: film, video, and recorded material
E. Evaluation
1. Comprehensive written exams
2. Comprehensive playing exams with instructor

Lab content includes supervised in-class guitar practice. Other topics may include subjects such as choosing a guitar, tuning the guitar, and proper guitar maintenance.

A. One written midterm examination.
B. One written final examination.
C. One performance examination consisting of four parts: scales, arpeggios, sight-reading, and solo performance.

A. Lecture presentations and classroom discussion of the techniques for playing classical guitar.
B. In-class viewing of classical guitar performances followed by instructor-guided interpretation and analysis.
C. Presentations of major classical guitar recordings followed by in-class discussion and evaluation.
D. Demonstration of techniques for playing classical guitar.

Noad, Frederick. Solo Guitar Playing, Volume 1. 4th ed. Music Sales America, 2009.

Sult, Michael. Guitar Seminar, Volume I. http://www.guitarland.com/Book.pdf, 2003.



Although these texts are older than the suggested "5 years or newer" standard, they remain seminal texts in this area of study.

 

A. If the student chooses not to do a presentation, they must submit an eight page research paper with notes and bibliography. Subjects include anything related to the classical guitar from the players and composers to the physics of tone production.

B. A one to two page concert review is a required writing assignment. Details on the performer(s), repertory, and location are essential; however, more value is placed on the student's critical narrative of the event. Assignment details:

1. The review should deal with aspects of the concert that are considered most important or striking. Be sure - always - to concentrate on musical matters, although brief discussions of other aspects of the concert may be included. In the process, talk about the works performed, how they were presented, how well the performers presented the music, and what made the performances effective or ineffective.

2. Compose your review on scrap paper. Feel free to take notes during the performance. The final version should be done on a computer or typewriter. When writing about events that occurred at the concert, use the past tense. (Example: "Although the guitarist was quite good, I thought that she was far too loud to blend well with the flute player.") But when writing about a particular musical composition or work of art, use the present tense. (Example: "In Villa Lobos Choro no. 1 , the third section in E Major seems to serve as a triumphal conclusion to the struggle of the preceding three sections in E Minor.")

3. Finally, be objective! Comparisons of pieces and performers should be avoided unless it is to make an argument regarding music history or analysis. Reviews are most effective when they are honest and show that you seriously engaged the music and performance.