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this way, throughout the semester. “Technique” covers all the practical, hands-on information necessary to learn Grade 6 Beginner
Guitar. Beginner Technique teaches how to hold the guitar, left hand fingering positions to prepare students to play chords, scales,
solos and more. At the beginning of “Technique”, students will learn the proper way to hold the guitar to prevent injury while sitting
or standing, how to strum down and up (Alternate Picking) at a steady tempo, and how to play the chromatic scale with proper left
hand fingering technique. From there, students will learn the proper left and right and technique to play fifth chords (Power Chords)
and apply them to learning songs (“Peter Gunn”). From there, students will be expected to play fifth chords in eight different keys and
learn three songs that incorporate some of the keys. By learning the “Technique” of playing beginner guitar, students can apply music
theory in a practical way to the fretboard and strings. By gaining a basic understanding of proper left-hand fingering, how to hold the
guitar and healthy right-hand strumming technique, students can learn the fundamental skills to play Grade 6 Beginner Guitar.
Beginner “Technique” Unit Rationale:
The Beginner “Technique” unit is fundamental to applying the “Music Theory” unit to both the “Repertoire” and “Sight-Reading”
units. The Beginner“Technique” unit essentially takes the theory of music and teaches the physical skills required to apply it to the
stringed instrument known as the guitar. Some fundamental questions include: What knee do I place my guitar on? Where do I place
my left thumb behind the neck of the guitar? What fingers on my left hand do I use to play specific scales and chords? How hard do I
strum with my right hand? How hard should I press down with my left hand? Do I anchor my chord playing with my left thumb or
with my fingers? How do I hold my pick? That is a small sample of questions that the Beginner “Technique” unit answers. Learning
the “Technique” for playing specific chords and scales is fundamental to learning the “Repertoire” unit (songs) and the “Sight-
Reading" unit (scales, chords, and songs). Connecting all four of these units through weekly classes and daily practice will introduce
students to the joy, challenges, and rewards of learning Grade 6 Beginner Guitar.
I believe this unit is the most fundamental and practical unit to learning guitar. Learning Music Theory, Repertoire, and Sight-Reading
is significantly less effective without proper technique. The Beginner “Technique” unit helps prevent injury, it helps learning new
musical concepts, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to physically play guitar. Feeling the vibrations of the strings and
reverberation of the wood can provide many years of enjoyment and/or healing.
Timeline: SEPTEMBER 19- SEPTEMBER OCTOBER OCTOBER OCTOBER 17- OCTOBER 24-
23 26-30 3-7 10-14 21 28
Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6
TECHNIQUE 1. Holding the 1. Holding Guitar 3. TEST: Play
Guitar Chromatic
4. Alternate Picking Scale on high
E string.
MUSIC 2. Names of the 2. Names of 1. Chromatic 1. TEST: 1. Chromatic 1. Chromatic
THEORY Strings Strings Scale Name Strings Scale Scale
5. Rhythm-Tree 3. Rhythm-Tree 2. TEST: 2. String Names 3. Notes on the
Notation Notation Label 4. Notes on the Neck
6. Chromatic Scale, 4. Chromatic Rhythm-Tree Neck
All Strings Scale
REPERTOIRE 5. “Peter Gunn” 2. “Peter 3.“Peter Gunn” 2. “Peter Gunn”
Gunn” 5. “Louie Louie” 4. “Louie Louie”
5. “Ice Ice
Baby”
6. “Rock You
Like A
Hurricane”
SIGHT- 3. Rhythm sight- 6. “Peter Gunn” 3. Rhythm 6. "Louie Louie” 7.“Ice Ice
READING reading on high E Chord Chart Sheets Chord Chart Baby”, “Rock
string. You...” Chart
Resources Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Guitars, Guitars, Guitars,
Phone (Spotify), Phone (Spotify), Speaker, Speaker, Speaker, Phone Speaker, Phone
Powerpoint Slides, Powerpoint Phone Phone (Spotify), (Spotify),
Review Handout Slides, (Spotify), (Spotify), Powerpoint Powerpoint
Four Song Powerpoint Exams Slides, Slides,
Handout, Slides,
Rhythm-Tree Rhythm
Handout Sheets
Timeline: OCT 31 – NOV 4 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER NOVEMBER NOV 28 – DECEMBER
7-11 14-18 21-25 DEC 2 5-9
Lesson 7 Lesson 8 Lesson 9 Lesson 10 Lesson 11 Lesson 12
TECHNIQUE 3. Power Chords (F, MIDTERM 3. Open Power FINAL
G, A, B, A#, C, D, EXAM Chords E, A, D EXAM
E)
MUSIC 1. Notes on the 2. Chromatic MIDTERM 1. Chromatic 1. Chromatic FINAL
THEORY Neck Scales EXAM Scales Scales EXAM
REPERTOIRE 2. “Louie Louie”, 1. Three Power MIDTERM 2. “Peter Gunn”, 2. “Peter FINAL
“Ice Ice Baby”, Chord Songs EXAM “Louie Louie”, Gunn”, “Louie EXAM
“Rock You Like A “Rock You Louie” with
Hurricane” Like...” power chords
6. Same 3 Songs 3. “Smoke on 5. “What I
using Power Chords the Water” Like About
You”
SIGHT- 5. Four Song Chord 3. Rhythm MIDTERM 4. Two Song 6. Four Song FINAL
READING Charts Sheets 1, 2, 3, & EXAM Chord Chart Chord Chart EXAM
4
Resources Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Guitars, Guitars,
Phone (Spotify), Phone (Spotify), Phone (Spotify), Speaker, Phone Speaker, Phone Speaker,
Powerpoint Slides, Powerpoint Exams (Spotify), (Spotify), Phone
Power Chord Slides, Powerpoint Powerpoint (Spotify),
Handout Slides, Rhythm Slides, Exams
Sheets, Tow Open Power
Song Chord Chords
Chart Handout Handout
Beginner “Technique” Unit Learning Outcomes:
In accordance with the Alberta Government Grade 6 Music Program of Study, concepts of Rhythm (ie. Strumming), Melody
(ie. Singing), Harmony (ie. Chords), Form (ie. Songs), and Expression (ie. Dynamics) are reinforced throughout the semester. Skills
such as Singing (Lyrics and Melodies), Playing an Instrument (Guitar), Listening (Songs), Moving (Body Position), Reading (Sight-
Reading), and Creating (Improvisation) are also developed. By focusing on separate musical elements such as Technique, Music
Theory, Repertoire and Sight-Reading, all the concepts and skills relevant to the Program of Study are used to teach playing the guitar.
Proper body movement while playing guitar is fundamental to longevity and health while playing an instrument. Proper body position
and technique while singing, playing guitar, sight-reading or improvising is a requirement for any healthy musician. The “Technique”
Assessment Plan:
There is a summative assessment every fourth class in the form of a written quiz, homework assignment, and/or performance exam.
Since the class has over 30 students, the written and performance assessments will take up the entire class time. There is a midterm
after 6 classes and a final exam on the last day of class to test all the material covered in class. As a formative assessment, common
musical issues will be addressed to the entire class while individual issues will be addressed one-on-one. Individual comments will be
given to each student when they submit performance videos to be formatively assessed. Summative and formative assessments can be
guitar, how to strum alternate picking and how to play the chromatic scale on the high E string with proper left-hand fingering.
Students will be expected to play at least five songs with proper right-hand strumming, left-hand fingering and accurately interpreting
Prior Knowledge:
Students will not need any prior experience playing an instrument, but a basic knowledge of music would be beneficial.
Formative Assessment:
Students will receive verbal and written feedback on their written and performance-based work. The focal point of formative feedback
will be on material that is on the midterm and final exams. Correcting fingering, posture, dynamics, strumming, and body position will
be important for students to create healthy guitar playing habits. Each student will hand in a short video of “Louie, Louie” on Lesson
7, for a summative assessment. Ensuring students practice the material every day will be part of formative assessments.
Summative Assessment:
In the second lesson, a rhythm-tree handout will be assigned for marks. Students may work with a partner but must hand in their own
work. The fourth lesson will consist of the first exam which will cover all basic material learnt thus far. The test will be two parts
written and one part performance-based (chromatic scale). Each student will hand in a short video of “Louie, Louie” on Lesson 7, for
a summative assessment. Comments from this performance will help prepare students for the midterm. The midterm is in Lesson 9
and the Final Exam is in Lesson 12. Lesson 10 and 11 will focus more on verbal and written Formative Assessments to prepare
Self-Assessment:
After getting feedback from my Teacher Mentor, University Consultant, and/or Administration, I will write daily reflections about
what went well and what aspects of teaching the Beginner “Technique” unit need more attention. This daily reflection may result in
changes to lesson plans, exams, teaching strategies, classroom management, and more. I will also relate these reflections to any six of
the TQS (Teaching Quality Standards) when needed. Being aware of my own difficulties as a teacher is important to resolving the
issues it creates.
G.S. Lakie Middle School Fall 2022
GRADE 6 BEGINNER GUITAR UNIT PLANS
-MUSIC THEORY-
Teacher: Kevin Bekevich
completed this way, throughout the semester. Beginner “Music Theory” covers theoretical concepts that apply to all instruments. At
the beginning of “Music Theory”, students will learn the note names of each open string on the guitar, the chromatic scale with the
accompanying note name on high E string, and an introduction to rhythmic notation. By learning the “Music Theory” behind playing
beginner guitar, students can understand why rhythm, chords, scales and song form function together. With a basic understanding of
the major scale, the diatonic number system, and song form, students can learn to apply these concepts in Grade 6 Beginner Guitar.
Beginner “Music Theory” Unit Rationale:
The “Music Theory” unit is fundamental to understanding the basic map of notes on the fretboard and how they can be used
effectively. Some fundamental questions include: What notes are comprised of a chord? What note changes a chord from a major to a
minor? What scales work with what chords? How do I read/write notation on the treble and bass clefs? How do I read/write charts?
How do I sight-read while playing? That is a small sample of questions that the “Music Theory” unit answers. Learning the “Music
Theory” behind specific chords and scales is fundamental to learning the “Technique”, “Repertoire” (songs) and the “Sight-Reading"
units. Connecting all four of these units through weekly classes and daily practice will introduce students to the joy, challenges, and
I believe this unit is important because it teaches how music theory applies to the guitar and how it applies to other instruments.
Technique, Repertoire, and Sight-Reading make less sense without music theory joining all the instruments together. The “Music
Theory” unit teaches the basic note lettering system, what chords work with what scales, fifth chords, and other reasons why tonal
structures compliment or clash with one another. Feeling the vibrations of the strings and reverberation of the wood can provide many
REPERTOIRE 2. “Louie Louie”, 1. Three Power MIDTERM 2. “Peter Gunn”, 2. “Peter FINAL
“Ice Ice Baby”, Chord Songs EXAM “Louie Louie”, Gunn”, “Louie EXAM
“Rock You Like A “Rock You Louie” with
Hurricane” Like...” power chords
6. Same 3 Songs 3. “Smoke on 5. “What I
using Power Chords the Water” Like About
You”
SIGHT- 5. Four Song Chord 3. Rhythm MIDTERM 4. Two Song 6. Four Song FINAL
READING Charts Sheets 1, 2, 3, & EXAM Chord Chart Chord Chart EXAM
4
Resources Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Guitars, Guitars,
Phone (Spotify), Phone (Spotify), Phone (Spotify), Speaker, Phone Speaker, Speaker,
Powerpoint Slides, Powerpoint Exams (Spotify), Phone Phone
Power Chord Slides, Powerpoint (Spotify), (Spotify),
Handout Slides, Rhythm Powerpoint Exams
Sheets, Tow Slides,
Song Chord Open Power
Chart Handout Chords
Handout
Beginner “Music Theory” Unit Learning Outcomes:
In accordance with the Alberta Government Grade 6 Music Program of Study, concepts of Rhythm (ie. Rhythmic Notation),
Melody (ie. Singing), Harmony (ie. Chords), Form (ie. Songs), and Expression (ie. Dynamic Markings) are reinforced throughout the
semester. Skills such as Singing (Notated Melodies), Playing an Instrument (Notes on a Guitar), Listening (Songs on Guitar), Moving
(Body Position), Reading (Sight-Reading), and Creating (Improvising with a Scale) are also developed. Music Theory is needed for
these skills to be clearly developed. By focusing on all four units such as Technique, Music Theory, Repertoire and Sight-Reading, all
the concepts and skills relevant to the Program of Study are used to teach beginner guitar. The Beginner “Music Theory” unit in Grade
Assessment Plan:
There is a summative assessment every fourth class in the form of a written quiz, homework assignment, and/or performance exam.
Since the class has over 30 students, the written and performance assessments will take up the entire class time. There is a midterm
after 6 classes and a final exam on the last day of class to test all the material covered in class. As a formative assessment, common
musical issues will be addressed to the entire class while individual issues will be addressed one-on-one. Individual comments will be
given to each student when they submit performance videos to be formatively assessed. Summative and formative assessments will be
Students will demonstrate how to read and interpret charts/notation, major scale diatonic numbering, rhythmic notation, what notes
make up a chord and the notes in the chromatic scale. Understanding these concepts helps students understand why music works
instead of how music works. The more knowledge a student has, the more musical tools they have at their disposal to work with.
Prior Knowledge:
Students will not need any prior experience playing an instrument, but a basic knowledge of music would be beneficial.
Formative Assessment:
Students will receive verbal and written feedback on their work interpreting, reading and writing music theory. The focal point of
formative feedback will be on material that is on the midterm and final exams. Learning how fifth chords work in both major and
minor keys, enharmonic note relationships, chord tones, song form, scale notes, and notation work within music theory offers deeper
insight. Ensuring students complete the music theory handouts will be part of formative assessments. Each student will hand in a short
work. The fourth lesson will consist of the first exam which will cover all basic material learnt thus far. The test will be two parts
written and one part performance-based (chromatic scale). Comments from this performance will help prepare students for the
midterm. The midterm is in Lesson 9 and the Final Exam is in Lesson 12. Lesson 10 and 11 will focus more on verbal and written
Self-Assessment:
After getting feedback from my Teacher Mentor, University Consultant, and/or Administration, I will write daily reflections about
what went well and what aspects of teaching the Beginner “Music Theory” unit need more attention. This daily reflection may result
in changes to lesson plans, exams, teaching strategies, classroom management, and more. I will also relate these reflections to any six
of the TQS (Teaching Quality Standards) when needed. Being aware of my own difficulties as a teacher is important to resolving the
issues it creates.
G.S. Lakie Middle School Fall 2022
GRADE 6 BEGINNER GUITAR UNIT PLANS
-REPERTOIRE-
Teacher: Kevin Bekevich
this way, throughout the semester. The Beginner “Repertoire” unit is all about learning songs from start to finish. The more songs we
learn, the students can make connections between the Music Theory and the application of playing those songs. At the beginning of
the Beginner “Repertoire” unit, students will start with a basic song called “Peter Gunn”. Learning this will be followed by “Louie
Louie”, “Ice Ice Baby” and “Rock You Like a Hurricane”. “What I Like About You” and “Smoke on the Water” will be added before
the final exam. By learning the “Repertoire” unit, students can connect playing fifth chords to popular songs. Memorizing a song form
and reading a chart will be expected throughout the semester. With a basic understanding of song form, left and right-hand positions,
and chart reading, students can learn to play many songs in Grade 6 Beginner Guitar.
Beginner “Repertoire” Unit Rationale:
The Beginner “Repertoire” unit is fundamental to understanding how to apply chords and scales to song form. The connection
strengthens between songs and scales with a larger repertoire of songs to play. Some fundamental questions include: What is the form
of this song? What style of music is this song? What scales apply to this specific song? How does this guitar part rhythmically
complement the rest of the music and melody? How do I read/write charts? How do I sight-read charts while playing? That is a small
sample of questions that the Beginner “Repertoire” unit answers. Learning the “Repertoire” unit applies many concepts from
“Technique”, “Music Theory” and “Sight-Reading" units. I need the proper technique to execute the song. Understanding the
theoretical scale relationship of the song teaches me my tonal options. Sight-reading helps guide me through the song when necessary.
Connecting all four of these units through weekly classes and daily practice will introduce students to the joy, challenges, and rewards
I believe the Beginner Repertoire unit is important because it teaches a combination of sight-reading, technique and music theory with
a dash of creativity. The “Repertoire” unit teaches song form, chordal application, scale application, melody with chords, rhythmic
variations and more. Feeling the vibrations of the strings and reverberation of the wood can provide many years of enjoyment and/or
healing.
Timeline: SEPTEMBER 19- SEPTEMBER OCTOBER OCTOBER OCTOBER 17- OCTOBER 24-
23 26-30 3-7 10-14 21 28
Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6
TECHNIQUE 1. Holding the 1. Holding Guitar 3. TEST: Play
Guitar Chromatic
4. Alternate Picking Scale on high
E string.
MUSIC 2. Names of the 2. Names of 1. Chromatic 1. TEST: 1. Chromatic 1. Chromatic
THEORY Strings Strings Scale Name Strings Scale Scale
5. Rhythm-Tree 3. Rhythm-Tree 2. TEST: 2. String Names 3. Notes on the
Notation Notation Label 4. Notes on the Neck
6. Chromatic Scale, 4. Chromatic Rhythm-Tree Neck
All Strings Scale
REPERTOIRE 5. “Peter Gunn” 2. “Peter 3.“Peter Gunn” 2. “Peter Gunn”
Gunn” 5. “Louie 4. “Louie
Louie” Louie”
5. “Ice Ice
Baby”
6. “Rock You
Like A
Hurricane”
SIGHT- 3. Rhythm sight- 6. “Peter Gunn” 3. Rhythm 6. "Louie Louie” 7.“Ice Ice
READING reading on high E Chord Chart Sheets Chord Chart Baby”, “Rock
string. You...” Chart
Resources Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Guitars, Guitars, Guitars,
Phone (Spotify), Phone (Spotify), Speaker, Speaker, Speaker, Phone Speaker, Phone
Powerpoint Slides, Powerpoint Phone Phone (Spotify), (Spotify),
Review Handout Slides, (Spotify), (Spotify), Powerpoint Powerpoint
Four Song Powerpoint Exams Slides, Slides,
Handout, Slides,
Rhythm-Tree Rhythm
Handout Sheets
Timeline: OCT 31 – NOV 4 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER NOVEMBER NOV 28 – DECEMBER
7-11 14-18 21-25 DEC 2 5-9
Lesson 7 Lesson 8 Lesson 9 Lesson 10 Lesson 11 Lesson 12
TECHNIQUE 3. Power Chords (F, MIDTERM 3. Open Power FINAL
G, A, B, A#, C, D, EXAM Chords E, A, D EXAM
E)
MUSIC 1. Notes on the 2. Chromatic MIDTERM 1. Chromatic 1. Chromatic FINAL
THEORY Neck Scales EXAM Scales Scales EXAM
REPERTOIRE 2. “Louie Louie”, 1. Three Power MIDTERM 2. “Peter Gunn”, 2. “Peter FINAL
“Ice Ice Baby”, Chord Songs EXAM “Louie Louie”, Gunn”, “Louie EXAM
“Rock You Like A “Rock You Louie” with
Hurricane” Like...” power chords
6. Same 3 Songs 3. “Smoke on 5. “What I
using Power Chords the Water” Like About
You”
SIGHT- 5. Four Song Chord 3. Rhythm MIDTERM 4. Two Song 6. Four Song FINAL
READING Charts Sheets 1, 2, 3, & EXAM Chord Chart Chord Chart EXAM
4
Resources Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Guitars, Guitars,
Phone (Spotify), Phone (Spotify), Phone (Spotify), Speaker, Phone Speaker, Speaker,
Powerpoint Slides, Powerpoint Exams (Spotify), Phone Phone
Power Chord Slides, Powerpoint (Spotify), (Spotify),
Handout Slides, Rhythm Powerpoint Exams
Sheets, Tow Slides,
Song Chord Open Power
Chart Handout Chords
Handout
Beginner “Repertoire” Unit Learning Outcomes:
In accordance with the Alberta Government Grade 6 Music Program of Study, concepts of Rhythm (Strumming), Melody
(Singing), Harmony (Chords), Form (Songs), and Expression (Dynamics) are reinforced throughout the semester. Skills such as
Singing (Melodies), Playing an Instrument (Guitar), Listening (Songs), Moving (Body Position), Reading (Sight-Reading), and
Creating (Improvising) are also developed. Having a developed repertoire allows a student to apply the music theory concepts in a
“real-life” playing scenario. By focusing on all four units such as Technique, Music Theory, Repertoire and Sight-Reading, all the
concepts and skills relevant to the Program of Study are used to teach beginner guitar. The “Repertoire” unit in Grade 6 Beginner
Assessment Plan:
There is a summative assessment every fourth class in the form of a written quiz, homework assignment, and/or performance exam.
Since the class has over 30 students, the written and performance assessments will take up the entire class time. There is a midterm
after 6 classes and a final exam on the last day of class to test all the material covered in class. As a formative assessment, common
musical issues will be addressed to the entire class while individual issues will be addressed one-on-one. Individual comments will be
given to each student when they submit performance videos to be formatively assessed. Summative and formative assessments will be
Demonstration of Learning:
After this unit is complete, students will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of repertoire as it applies to the guitar. Students will
demonstrate how to read and interpret charts/notation, use consistent song form, apply the correct chording for the melody, and
maintain a steady tempo. Knowing these concepts helps students apply music theory, technique and sight-reading into practical song
form. The more knowledge a student has, the more tools they have at their disposal.
Prior Knowledge:
Students will not need any prior experience playing an instrument, but a basic knowledge of music would be beneficial.
Formative Assessment:
Students will receive verbal and written feedback on their work interpreting, reading, listening and playing a repertoire of songs. The
focal point of formative feedback will be on material that is on the midterm and final exams. Learning verse-chorus-verse form, chord
changes, strumming tempo, and note selection in song form offers practical musical application. Ensuring students learn songs will be
part of formative assessments. Each student will hand in a short video of “Louie, Louie” on Lesson 7, for formative assessment.
Summative Assessment:
In the second lesson, a rhythm-tree handout will be assigned for marks. Students may work with a partner but must hand in their own
work. The fourth lesson will consist of the first exam which will cover all basic material learnt thus far. The test will be two parts
written and one part performance-based (chromatic scale). Comments from this performance will help prepare students for the
midterm. The midterm is in Lesson 9 and the Final Exam is in Lesson 12. Lesson 10 and 11 will focus more on verbal and written
Self-Assessment:
After getting feedback from my Teacher Mentor, University Consultant, and/or Administration, I will write daily reflections about
what went well and what aspects of teaching the “Repertoire” unit need more attention. This daily reflection may result in changes to
lesson plans, exams, teaching strategies, classroom management, and more. I will also relate these reflections to any six of the TQS
(Teaching Quality Standards) when needed. Being aware of my own difficulties as a teacher is important to resolving the issues it
creates.
G.S. Lakie Middle School Fall 2022
GRADE 6 BEGINNER GUITAR UNIT PLANS
-SIGHT-READING-
Teacher: Kevin Bekevich
completed this way, throughout the semester. The Beginner “Sight-Reading” unit is about learning to interpret music from the page
onto the guitar. The more sight-reading a student does, the more they improve. At the beginning of the “Sight-Reading” unit, students
will start with reading basic rhythmic notation. Students will read song charts to five songs minimum and will expand upon rhythmic
notation reading. Students will be expected to interpret song charts and how to follow them while playing guitar at the same time. By
learning the Beginner “Sight-Reading” unit, students can understand fundamental visual representations of music and synthesize the
information into accurate guitar playing. With a basic understanding of song form, left and right-hand positions, and chart reading,
students can learn to play charts to many songs in Grade 6 Beginner Guitar.
Beginner “Sight-Reading" Unit Rationale:
The Beginner “Sight-Reading” unit is fundamental to operating in a professional musical context where charts or musical notation is
provided. Sight-Reading is also important for musicians to make their own charts especially when playing a big repertoire of songs or
complex musical parts. Sight-Reading song charts and musical notation in the treble clef offers tools to organize and document the
music being played. Some fundamental questions include: What is the form of this song? What style of music is this song? What key
is this song in? How do I scan a piece of music before attempting to play it? How do I read/write charts? How do I sight-read charts
while playing? That is a small sample of questions that the “Sight-Reading” unit answers. The Beginner “Sight-Reading” unit applies
many concepts from the “Technique”, “Music Theory” and “Repertoire" units in order to interpret the page, apply it to the guitar and
comprehend the key and scale that it is based off. The proper technique is required to execute the song. Understanding the theoretical
scale relationship of the song teaches the tonal options students have. A healthy repertoire of songs can help reinforce the musical
fundamental of playing guitar. Connecting all four of these units through weekly classes and daily practice will introduce students to
I believe the Beginner Sight-Reading unit is important because sight-reading is a useful tool to document and interpret music of all
styles from all areas of the world. The Beginner “Sight-Reading” unit teaches song form, chordal application, scale application,
melody with chords and note interpretation. Feeling the vibrations of the strings and reverberation of the wood can provide years of
enjoyment.
Timeline: SEPTEMBER 19- SEPTEMBER OCTOBER OCTOBER OCTOBER 17- OCTOBER 24-
23 26-30 3-7 10-14 21 28
Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6
TECHNIQUE 1. Holding the 1. Holding Guitar 3. TEST: Play
Guitar Chromatic
4. Alternate Picking Scale on high
E string.
MUSIC 2. Names of the 2. Names of 1. Chromatic 1. TEST: 1. Chromatic 1. Chromatic
THEORY Strings Strings Scale Name Strings Scale Scale
5. Rhythm-Tree 3. Rhythm-Tree 2. TEST: 2. String Names 3. Notes on the
Notation Notation Label 4. Notes on the Neck
6. Chromatic Scale, 4. Chromatic Rhythm-Tree Neck
All Strings Scale
REPERTOIRE 5. “Peter Gunn” 2. “Peter 3.“Peter Gunn” 2. “Peter Gunn”
Gunn” 5. “Louie 4. “Louie
Louie” Louie”
5. “Ice Ice
Baby”
6. “Rock You
Like A
Hurricane”
SIGHT- 3. Rhythm sight- 6. “Peter Gunn” 3. Rhythm 6. "Louie Louie” 7.“Ice Ice
READING reading on high E Chord Chart Sheets Chord Chart Baby”, “Rock
string. You...” Chart
Resources Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Guitars, Guitars, Guitars,
Phone (Spotify), Phone (Spotify), Speaker, Speaker, Speaker, Phone Speaker, Phone
Powerpoint Slides, Powerpoint Phone Phone (Spotify), (Spotify),
Review Handout Slides, (Spotify), (Spotify), Powerpoint Powerpoint
Four Song Powerpoint Exams Slides, Slides,
Handout, Slides,
Rhythm-Tree Rhythm
Handout Sheets
REPERTOIRE 2. “Louie Louie”, 1. Three Power MIDTERM 2. “Peter Gunn”, 2. “Peter FINAL
“Ice Ice Baby”, Chord Songs EXAM “Louie Louie”, Gunn”, “Louie EXAM
“Rock You Like A “Rock You Louie” with
Hurricane” Like...” power chords
6. Same 3 Songs 3. “Smoke on 5. “What I
using Power Chords the Water” Like About
You”
SIGHT- 5. Four Song Chord 3. Rhythm MIDTERM 4. Two Song 6. Four Song FINAL
READING Charts Sheets 1, 2, 3, & EXAM Chord Chart Chord Chart EXAM
4
Resources Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Speaker, Guitars, Guitars, Guitars,
Phone (Spotify), Phone (Spotify), Phone (Spotify), Speaker, Phone Speaker, Speaker,
Powerpoint Slides, Powerpoint Exams (Spotify), Phone Phone
Power Chord Slides, Powerpoint (Spotify), (Spotify),
Handout Slides, Rhythm Powerpoint Exams
Sheets, Tow Slides,
Song Chord Open Power
Chart Handout Chords
Handout
(Singing), Harmony (Chords), Form (Songs), and Expression (Dynamics) are reinforced throughout the semester. Skills such as
Singing (Melodies), Playing an Instrument (Guitar), Listening (Songs), Moving (Body Position), Reading (Sight-Reading), and
Creating (Improvising) are also developed. Developing sight-reading experience allows for more music to be learnt in a shorter period.
By focusing on all four units such as Technique, Music Theory, Repertoire and Sight-Reading, all the concepts and skills relevant to
the Program of Study are used to teach beginner guitar. The Beginner “Sight-Reading” unit in Grade 6 Beginner Guitar also teaches
Assessment Plan:
There is a summative assessment every fourth class in the form of a written quiz, homework assignment, and/or performance exam.
Since the class has over 30 students, the written and performance assessments will take up the entire class time. There is a midterm
after 6 classes and a final exam on the last day of class to test all the material covered in class. As a formative assessment, common
musical issues will be addressed to the entire class while individual issues will be addressed one-on-one. Individual comments will be
given to each student when they submit performance videos to be formatively assessed. Summative and formative assessments will be
Demonstration of Learning:
After this unit is complete, students will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of sight-reading as it applies to the guitar. Students
will demonstrate how to read and interpret charts/notation, use consistent song form, apply the correct chording for the melody, and
strum a steady tempo. Knowing these concepts helps students apply music theory, technique and repertoire into applicable song charts
and notation. The more knowledge a student has, the more tools they have at their disposal.
Prior Knowledge:
Students will not need any prior experience playing an instrument, but a basic knowledge of music would be beneficial.
Formative Assessment:
Students will receive verbal and written feedback on their ability to interpret the page accurately through their guitar playing. The
focal point of formative feedback will be on sight-reading material that is on the midterm and final exams. Learning to interpret the
page for verse-chorus-verse song form, chord changes, strumming tempo, and note selection offers practical musical application.
Ensuring students read charts will be part of formative assessments. Each student will hand in a short video of “Louie, Louie” on
Summative Assessment:
There are sight-reading expectations for the midterm and final exams which will be formatively assessed leading up to exams. The
fourth lesson will be the first exam which will have a rhythm tree handout that covers rhythmic notation which is fundamental to
sight-reading. The test will be two parts written and one part performance-based (chromatic scale). Comments from the rhythm tree
handout will help prepare students for the midterm. The midterm is in Lesson 9 and the Final Exam is in Lesson 12. Lesson 10 and 11
will focus more on verbal and written Formative Assessments to prepare students for the final exam.
Self-Assessment:
After getting feedback from my Teacher Mentor, University Consultant, and/or Administration, I will write daily reflections about
what went well and what aspects of teaching the Beginner “Sight-Reading” unit needs more attention. This daily reflection may result
in changes to lesson plans, exams, teaching strategies, classroom management, and more. I will also relate these reflections to any six
of the TQS (Teaching Quality Standards) when needed. Being aware of my own difficulties as a teacher is important to resolving the
issues it creates.