Guitar

2022-2023 Syllabus

● Course Objective:
○ To provide students with a music experience, to learn about the
guitar, learn chords and melodies, basic music history and music
theory, and the opportunity for students to be creative through
musical expression.

● Required Materials:
○ Guitar: an acoustic guitar is preferred, however you may use an
electric guitar but you must provide your own amp. If you need a
guitar, there are guitars available for rental from the band program
for a rental fee.
○ Chromebook (charged!): Students will have multiple opportunities to
explore online musical programs throughout the year. Students
without a chromebook will not be able to participate. (headphones or
earbuds recommended)
○ Beginners: Essential Elements for Guitar - book 1: we will primarily be
studying the Essential Elements guitar book for the year.
○ Advanced Players: you may buy the Essential Elements book if you
would like, however it is not required. You will be given separate music
that is more challenging.
○ Three-ring binder with loose-leaf paper to store handouts and
materials.

● Course Outline:
○ Performance:
■ Students will learn all first position notes, all open chords, and
some barred chords. (Advanced students will work on
advanced technique and more challenging music)
■ Students will prepare songs of various lengths throughout the
year for concerts
■ Students will perform at 2 required concerts. After school
rehearsals will be required for each performance outside of
the normal school day (schedule TBD).
○ Music Theory and History:
■ Students will learn basic music theory and history throughout
the year. Students will be given various assignments where
they will reflect on the music assigned and asked to write a
short paragraph on what they heard.
○ Music Exploration:
 ■ Students will have multiple opportunities to explore online
music-making tools. Small projects will be assigned throughout
the year, requiring students to make a song and turn it in.

● Evaluation:
○ Students are expected to turn in projects and assignments on time
by each due date. If for any reason a student needs an extension,
please contact Mr. Souders. Grades will be weighted as follows:
■ Daily preparation of music (40%)
● Students are expected to practice their music at home
for 15-30 minutes at least 3 times per week. While
practice logs will not be required, students will be
evaluated daily on their progress.
■ Music History and Theory Assignments (10%)
● Students will be given assignments that involve music
theory, music history, or both. Students will have various
assignments requiring listening to music and writing
short paragraphs on the assigned material (details to
come)
■ Performances (50%)
● One of the primary reasons we do music is to perform!
This serves as an opportunity to showcase the work that
the students have put in learning their instruments and
their music. For the guitar ensemble, there are 2
required concerts (each will be worth 20%) and after
school rehearsals (worth 10%).
■ Extra Credit
● Students who participate in musical experience outside
of guitar class can receive extra credit. Students must
send a picture or video of that activity to Mr. Souders to
receive extra credit.

● Online Resources:
○ Ultimate Guitar - https://www.ultimate-guitar.com
■ Tab and chords for various songs
○ Guitarnick - https://www.guitarnick.com
■ Easy tabs for beginners of popular songs
○ SoundTrap - https://www.soundtrap.com
■ SoundTrap is a free, online, Digital Audio Workstation (Daw)
that can be accessed using a google account. The paid,
premium versions include more instruments and MIDI, however
not required. This can also be used as a recording device.