Academic Catalogs

MUS A148: Classical Guitar 1

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 02/26/2025
Top Code 100400 - Music
Units 2 Total Units 
Hours 72 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 18; Lab Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee Yes
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Open Entry/Open Exit No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S)

Course Description

Group instruction in basic techniques for classical guitar including tuning, correct posture, left and right hand position, and sight reading. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Demonstrate the ability to sight read a single line melody in 1st position.
  2. Discriminate between different musical styles and perform these styles correctly.
  3. Perform short pieces of classical guitar repertoire in their entirety by memory.

Course Objectives

  • I Demonstrate the fundamentals of music as they relate to the guitar.
  • II Demonstrate the following classical guitar techniques:
  • II. 1. arpeggio,
  • II. 2. free stroke
  • II. 3. rest stroke
  • III Develop skills for classical guitar ensemble performance.
  • IV Develop skills in sight reading on the classical guitar in first position.
  • V Memorize short pieces of music in one and two parts.
  • VI Perform printed score indications, both musical notation and written word.

Lecture Content

Rudiments of music Reading notes Performing rhythms Basic positions on the guitar Sight reading simple melodies in 1st position Development of performance technique Rudiments of technique Posture Rest stroke Free stroke The arpeggio Thumb technique Playing single line melodies Rest stroke Melodies in 1st position Increasing tempo Playing as a group Simple Two part music Playing two part music soprano/bass Melodies in 1st position Increasing tempo Playing as a group Chordal work Chords in first position Arpeggiating chords Chord relationships Emphasis on tonic Dominant to tonic Adding the sub dominant Familiarity with the types and care of classical guitars Nylon string VS the steel string guitar Quality in instruments Classical guitar performance techniques Dynamics Timbre Rubato Phrasing Memorization Sight reading Public performance Memorization Poise Stage presence Repertoire Simple music for guitar Folk songs Music of the renaissance Anonymous classics

Lab Content

Rudiments of music Reading notes Performing rhythms Basic positions on the guitar Sight reading simple melodies in 1st position Development of performance technique Rudiments of technique Posture Rest stroke Free stroke The arpeggio Thumb technique Playing single line melodies Rest stroke Melodies in 1st position Increasing tempo Playing as a group Simple Two part music Playing two part music soprano/bass Melodies in 1st position Increasing tempo Playing as a group Chordal work Chords in first position Arpeggiating chords Chord relationships Emphasis on tonic Dominant to tonic Adding the sub dominant Familiarity with the types and care of classical guitars Nylon string VS the steel string guitar Quality in instruments Classical guitar performance techniques Dynamics Timbre Rubato Phrasing Memorization Sight reading Public performance Memorization Poise Stage presence Repertoire Simple music for guitar Folk songs Music of the renaissance Anonymous classics

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

Lecture, group rehearsal and performance, solo rehearsal and performance

Reading Assignments

.

Writing Assignments

Students must demonstrate proficiency in performing classical guitar music to the instructor s satisfaction to complete the course. Approximately 2 hours per week.

Out-of-class Assignments

.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Written (music) and performance tests, public performance of basic classical guitar music by memory Attendance and class participation

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students must demonstrate proficiency in performing classical guitar music to the instructor s satisfaction to complete the course.

Eligible Disciplines

Music: Master's degree in music OR bachelor's degree in music AND master's degree in humanities OR the equivalent. Master's degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Noad, Frederick. Solo Guitar Playing Book 1, Latest ed. Los Angeles: Hal Leonard Corp., 1994 Rationale: -

Other Resources

1. Selected handout materials to be provided and distributed by the instructor to include both written music and pedagogical information