The student will be able to:
A. perform left hand techniques of legato.
B. read in the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th positions.
C. perform basic chords in the first position.
D. perform three pieces from the standard solo guitar literature.
E. perform a series of exercises to develop left and right hand technique.
F. use a tuning method using harmonics.
G. recognize the contributions made in the guitar repertoire from people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

A. 5th position introduction and problem solving
B. Right hand fingering concepts
1. Legato playing
C. Left hand techniques and exercises
D. Expressive devices and exercises to master them
E. Repertoire selections from many cultures
F. Classroom ensemble playing
1. Developing student's timing and concentration
G. Memorization of three short pieces from the standard guitar literature
H. The theoretical principle of the overtone series (harmonics) used in tuning
I. Exposure to performance in this art form
1. Live performance
2. Media: film, video, and recorded material
J. Evaluation
1. Comprehensive written exams
2. Comprehensive playing exams in private with instructor

Supervised in-class guitar practice.

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
B. Discussion
C. Self-paced
D. Electronic discussions/chat
E. Demonstration

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.