Academic Catalog

MUS 38A: GUITAR ENSEMBLE I

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2023
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter)
Advisory: MUS 14C or ability to read notation.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU/UC
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate student guitar performance and receive personal performance criticism from others.
  • Evaluate, develop and employ good practice habits.
  • Perform guitar repertoire musically, rhythmically and with accurate intonation.

Description

The study, rehearsal, and public performance of guitar repertoire (both guitar-only ensembles and guitars with other instruments), with emphasis on the development of the skills needed to perform within an ensemble. Students learn to perform musically, rhythmically, and with accurate intonation. Repertoire is contingent upon instrument availability and will include simple duets, trios, and quartets, from the Renaissance through contemporary. Students must know how to read notation and possess a basic mastery of the instrument. Students learn to critique both their own and others' performances. Instructor will coach throughout.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Play with accuracy of pitch and rhythm within a guitar ensemble
  2. Play with the ability to switch easily between melodic and accompaniment parts
  3. Play with a variety of tone colors to meet the artistic style of the repertoire
  4. Play using dynamics and expressive markings in the musical notation
  5. Sight read melodic and accompaniment parts
  6. Play with attention to steady pulse and rhythmic unity of ensemble

Course Content

  1. Guitar technique
    1. Posture/position
    2. Dynamics
      1. Free stroke
      2. Rest stroke
    3. Nail care
  2. Musical skills
    1. Notation
    2. Expressive markings
    3. Rhythmic accuracy
    4. Chordal harmonies
    5. Dynamics
  3. Performance
    1. Interpretation
    2. Presentation
      1. Aural
      2. Visual
    3. Communication
    4. Stage etiquette
  4. Practice
    1. Daily
    2. Self-evaluation
  5. Repertoire
    1. Medieval
    2. Renaissance
    3. Baroque
    4. Romantic
    5. Contemporary

Lab Content

Supervised performance and practice of selected repertoire.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. Music stands.
2. When taught via Foothill Global Access: on-going access to computer with email software and capabilities; email address; JavaScript-enabled internet browsing software.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Exams/tests: guitar rehearsal, performance
Group projects: sectional rehearsal
Class work: reading notation, playing, articulation
Lab activities: rehearsal
Class performance: individual and group assessment
Final public performance
Substantial writing requirements are not appropriate for this course. Alternately, students are assessed through demonstrations of problem-solving ability using music symbols and language, guitar performance, and sightreading

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Critique: individual and group
Lab: practice, rehearsal
Lecture: historical style and technique
Observation and demonstration: instructor and student demonstration and observation

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Kean, Paul, and Joseph Alexander. 10 Pieces for Classical Guitar Ensemble. 2018.

Although some texts listed are older than the suggested standard, they remain seminal in this area of study.

The following may be selected for supplemental use during the quarter:

Pachelbel, Johann. Canon in D. arr. Salz, Simon. 2010.
Noad, Frederick. Classical Guitar Treasury: Duets and Ensembles. 1999.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Practice individual parts, including tone, dynamics, tempo, rhythm, and articulation
  2. Rehearsals: group rehearsals, including all of the above plus group presentation of musicality

Discipline(s)

Music or Commercial Music