I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Intro to Guitar

2. Course Prefix & Number:
MUSC 1461

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 1

Lecture Hours: 1

4. Course Description:

Intro to Guitar will cover the rudiments of guitar studies including chords, strum patterns, simple scales, rhythm, and basic sheet reading. Classical and American folk will be taught as the main styles, but other genres such as Flamenco, rock, blues, and jazz may be touched upon when appropriate. Classes will provide students with a structured group lesson format starting with warm-up exercises, learning shorter pieces of written music, and performing as a group in class. Some basic guitar maintenance and technology along with the use of department guitars will be provided on a limited basis. Recitals will be in-class or informal stage settings. Some department guitars may be available for use.

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

No placement tests required

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

Minnesota State University, Moorhead, MUS 117 Guitar for Non-Majors, 1 credit Basic staff reading with an emphasis on beginner chords, scales and strumming in popular styles. 

Hamline University, MUS 1750 Class Guitar, 2 credits. Entry level guitar course for basic learning of folk and classical guitar in a group setting. 

III. Course Purpose

2. MN Transfer Curriculum (General Education) Courses - This course fulfills the following goal area(s) of the MN Transfer Curriculum:
Goal 6 – Humanities and Fine Arts

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate reading and listening skills	Read and perform written music for in-class performance and rehearsals.
Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills	Demonstrate cooperation and mutual assistance with other musicians in the rehearsal setting.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities (MnTC Goal 6);
• Demonstrate understanding of those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context (MnTC Goal 6);
  
• Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities (MnTC Goal 6);
  
• Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance;
• Contribute leadership and group effort within their section of the class;
• Play cohesively as part of the group;
• Read and interpret concert band literature with appropriate style and sound; and
• Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities. 

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Chords and Strumming
• Instrument maintenace and parts identification
• String names and tuning
• Carulli Method of finger position
• Five basic chords (Em, G, D, Am, C)
• Strum Patterns
• Two-chords and three-chords songs
2. Classical Guitar
• Introduction to the staff and symbols
• Strings High E, B, G
• Strings Low E, A, D
• Basic classical solo and group pieces
• Carulli Method of finger picking (PIMA)
• Major scale
• Flamenco style strumming and barre chords
3. Folk/Blues Guitar
• I, IV, V chord patterns
• Minor pentatonic scale
• Improvisation
• American folk/blues pieces