Beginning Guitar Class MUS121

Northwestern University

Instructor:

Class Location and Time:

E-mail:

Office Hours: right after class or by appointment.

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the “classical” guitar. This course will
cover the fundamentals of the guitar: reading music, playing posture, and musicianship.
We will work on level-appropriate repertoire and will study the necessary aspects of
music history and theory. After successful completion of this course, you will be prepared
to continue your guitar studies through private lessons.

Classroom Announcements and E-Mail:

I will be sending you e-mail messages to your Northwestern University email address.
Be sure to have an active NU account and to check it regularly. Important dates, print out
materials, dates of the concerts and events will be announced in class and/or you will be
notified by email. It is your responsibility to follow the assignment schedule as indicated.

Attendance is mandatory. You will be given playing assignments every class and you
will be graded on how well you know and can play them during the following class. You
are expected to practice daily, for a minimum of 60 min.

It is highly advised not to procrastinate since playing guitar is a skill that is acquired with
patient and consistent work. This class is cumulative, and it is your responsibility to
review each topic as needed.

Each student is allowed one (1) unexcused absence per quarter after which the grade will
be dropped by one third (1/3) for every unexcused absence. Four (4) unexcused absence
will result in a failing grade. Medical and family emergencies will be excused. Please
communicate any concerns, conflicts, or any special needs you may have in a timely
manner. Three (3) late arrivals will equal one (1) unexcused absence so please make all
necessary arrangements to arrive on time.

Grading. You final grade will be an average of: Attendance, Participation and
Preparation for the class: 70% Other assignments: 10%
Final Exam 20%

Other Assignments may include:

attendance of a concert and writing a review

Required Text and Materials:

1) Basic Pieces for Guitar Vol. 1 by Juan Antonio Muro

2) A Modern Approach to Classical Guitar Vol. 1 by Charles Duncan

3) Nylon String Classical Guitar —students must purchase or rent* a classical guitar
for this course. Classical guitars are much easier to learn as they tend to be for more
playable than “dreadnaught” style acoustic or electric guitars. The Yamaha C40, the
Cordoba CP110 guitar pack, Cordoba 3CM, or The Cort Ac-10-Ns and above are all fine
student instruments.

4) Ergoplay Guitar Support

5) Chromatic tuner/Metronome There are numerous free tuner/metronome apps available

for smartphones

*If renting a guitar, check Hogeye Music at 1920 Central St., (847) 475-0260 or Guitar
Works at 709 Main St, Evanston, (847) 475-0855.