MUS-135: Class Instruction in Guitar I (formerly MU-331)

Course, prefix, number, & title: MUS-135 Class Instruction in Guitar I (formerly MU-331)

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 2 studio hours; offered as needed

Credits: 1

Course Description in college catalog:

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

1. Communicate effectively in various forms

2. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

x

Program-specific outcomes

Prepare students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution of higher learning to pursue a career in music by providing a solid foundation in the areas of musicianship and performance.

Provide the general college students with the opportunities to study music in a variety of classes that promotes intellectual inquiry, global awareness and lifelong active learning.

Other program outcomes (if applicable).

1. Integrate knowledge and skills in the program of study

2. Make ethical judgments while recognizing multiple perspectives, as appropriate in the program of study

3. Work collaboratively to accomplish learning objectives

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

GRADING

Attendance & Participation	40%
Assignments	40%
Final Project	20%

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS

MUSICAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (due class 2)

This assignment is an opportunity for you to discuss your relationship with music and any personal experiences you may have already had with the guitar. In 1-2 pages (double-spaced), explore your history with music (performing/listening) and your favorite genres/musical artists. Why do you want to learn how to play the guitar? Further, provide a list of ten songs that you would like to learn how to play on the guitar during this semester.

WRITE UP AND POST YOUR ASSIGNMENT ON BLACKBOARD BY THE SECOND CLASS.

WEEKLY EXERCISES

Each week, you will be given specific exercises and applicable songs to practice at home. You may be asked to perform these works during the subsequent class, so please practice them daily. As the old adage goes, PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! So, please make sure to practice at least 30-60 minutes every day to advance your technique.

READINGS

Throughout the semester, I will post readings on Blackboard, and you will be expected to discuss them in detail during the following class.

PRACTICE FILES

Throughout the semester, I will post recordings on Blackboard for you to practice along to. Please take advantage of these recordings! They will be a great help as you get acquainted with your new instrument.

REPERTOIRE

As expected in a Guitar Instruction course, we will be learning lots of songs from a variety of genres throughout the semester. I will select these songs as I determine the group’s advancing progress each week. In addition to the compositions we will learn as a group, you will also be expected to work on separate pieces that are personally meaningful to you, and I will track your progress from week to week.

FINAL PROJECT

Your final project will include two components: a portfolio containing all of the songs that you have learned how to adequately play over the course of the semester, and a live performance, during which you will perform for the class. Depending on how we progress as a class, you may be able to work with a partner on this aspect of the final project.

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window.

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.