Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Eff Term	Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	02/17/2026
Top Code	100400 - Music
Units	0 Total Units (Lecture Units 0)
Hours	18 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 18)
Total Outside of Class Hours	36
Total Student Learning Hours	54
Course Credit Status	Noncredit (N)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	Yes; Repeat Limit 99
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	P/NP/SP Non-Credit (D)

Course Description

This noncredit course is designed for older adults who want to play guitar. Students will work on guitar techniques in a class setting. Students will benefit from stretching exercises to develop hand and finger flexibility. Students will also increase mental acuity through practice of chords, finger-picking, and single line melodies. This class will develop self-confidence, socialization skills, and provide an outlet for creative expression. Not Transferable.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Play guitar chords at a beginning level.
2. Play on beat in multiple time signatures.

Course Objectives

• Use chord notation to play a song on guitar.
• Evaluate progress through practice sessions.

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Lecture Content

1. Fundamentals of music notation for guitar
   1. Note values
   2. Key signatures
   3. Time signatures
   4. Rhythm studies
2. Guitar techniques
   1. Left and right hand fingering
   2. Free strokes
   3. Rest strokes
   4. Tone production
   5. Hand position
   6. Seating position
3. Scales
   1. C major 
   2. Other major scales
   3. Pentatonic
   4. Minor scales
   5. Scales up to two octaves in various keys
4. Chords
   1. Chord charts
   2. Arpeggio patterns
   3. Strumming patterns
5. Guitar Repertoire
   1. Folk
   2. Rock
   3. Classical

Method(s) of Instruction

• Regular NC Lect (NC3)

Instructional Techniques

-

Reading Assignments

Articles and music examples assigned by instructor.

Writing Assignments

Written notation assignments or marking music.

Out-of-class Assignments

Individual practice to prepare for class.

Methods of Student Evaluation

• Written Assignments
• Projects (Individual/Group)
• Skills Demonstration

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Evaluation of practice techniques and performances.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Periodic performance testing.

Resources Subscreen

• Other: . . ().

Eligible Discipline(s)

• 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.