Semester course: .5 credits (Fine Arts)
Prerequisite: none
Special requirement: student must supply his/her own ACOUSTIC guitar
This course may not be repeated for credit

Welcome to beginning guitar!

I'm glad you've chosen to study music through guitar. Playing the guitar is a lifelong music skill which I hope you'll find very rewarding. This class assumes that you are a complete beginner on guitar, with no previous music instruction. The ability to read music or play another instrument will be an asset--but not necessary for success in the course. If you ALREADY PLAY guitar with reasonable proficiency this may be the wrong course for you.

We will take a balanced approach with a goal of positioning each student for continued
self-directed individual study in his/her area of interest--that is, with supplying you with the TOOLS to learn more on your own.

TOPICS will include:
tuning the guitar
replacing strings (nylon / steel)
guitar maintanence and care
reading standard notation, lead sheet (chord) notation, and tablature
basic guitar technique / habits
guitar as an accompaniment instrument (strums, arppeggions)
guitar as a melodic instrument (scales, improvisation, classical guitar)

Your grade will be based upon:

1/2: REHEARSAL SKILLS (classroom behavior, attitude, and contribution)
1/2: EVALUATIONS (evidence of effort and musical growth / progress)

I'm looking forward to a great semester of music.


Musically yours,


Patrick Gross