LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL
COURSE GUIDE
COURSE TITLE: Guitar 1, 6th/7th period
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
TEACHER NAME: Mr. Tanner
ROOM: 1215
EMAIL: Tannerj2@issaquah.wednet.edu
PHONE: (425)837-4885
COURSE WEBSITE:__________________
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Guitar 1 is a beginning level guitar class designed to take students from not knowing how to
hold a pick to strumming chords to their favorite songs. This is a performance-based course
and students will perform together as a class, in small groups, and solo on a regular basis.
Students will have the opportunity to learn the music they want to learn as well as American
rock/pop classics and cutting edge songs by today’s indie bands. Come to class ready to sing
(at least as a class) as well as pay the guitar!
MATERIALS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Acoustic guitar (no electric guitars or amps)
Tuner (I prefer the kind that attach to the headstock)
Extra set of strings. (medium gauge)
Medium picks
Capo
Three ring binder (small--.5 inch or 1 inch)
RELATED ESSENTIAL ACADEMIC LEARNING
REQUIREMENTS/OVERALL COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the semester when your friend asks, “Hey, _____, play us a song!” You will be
ready and able to play a song. And your audience will enjoy it! That’s why we learn guitar,
right?
In order to attain this level of musicianship students will acquire the following skills:
Students will be able to:
1. Tune the guitar.
2. Restring the guitar.
3. Hold a pick correctly.
4. Strum numerous rhythms with good time.
5. Play all open position chords.
6. Pick single-note lines.
7. Build a repertoire of ready-to-play songs.
8. Play and sing at the same time!
9. Read rhythms and guitar tablature
10. Begin improvising.
COURSE CONTENT
Students will learn the above skills in the service of learning great American pop and rock
music as well as the music they love.
Major Learning Activities and Assessment Tools
 In-class group playing
 In-class independent/peer-to-peer learning
 at home practice and listening
 in-class group and solo recitals
 in-class listening activities
 In school school performances (?)
STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
 Be on time.
 No electric guitars and/or amps (except for the days when I allow it).
 Immediate tune your guitar (when you know how) when you first sit down.
 Be respectful.
 Always come prepared to do everything it takes to become a better musician.
 Come willing to sing (I won’t make you sing a solo, but I welcome anyone who
wants to sing one!)
 Always come prepared with your instrument, tuner, strings, music,
 No food, gum, or drink in class. (Water in sealable containers is ok.)
 Failure to comply with behavior expectations will result in a lowered participation
grade.
 Go to the bathroom before class/rehearsal (because that is what musicians do).
TEACHER GRADING EXPECTATIONS
GRADING SCALE
93% - 100%
A
90% - 92.9%
A–
87% - 89.9%
B+
83% - 86.9%
B
80% - 82.9%
B–
77% - 79.9%
C+
73% - 76.9%
C
70% - 72.9%
C–
67% - 69.9%
D+
63% - 66.9%
D
60% - 62.9%
D–
0% - 64%
F
GRADE WEIGHTING
Participation
40%
Quizzes
Listening assignments
30%
Recitals
30%
Participation:
 Students will lose participation points for tardiness, not participating, disrupting
class, not following the classroom rules, sleeping, and showing disrespect to any
person in or out of the room.
 Students will receive zero participation points on any day where they have forgotten
their instrument or music
 Please contact the teacher if there are any question about the policies or if there are
special circumstances.
Recitals:
 Recitals are either solo, duet, or group performances during class time or outside of
class time. These performances are opportunities to share music and showcase
development.
 If you received less than 8/10 on a recital grade and would like to retake it, you are
welcome to make up grade before school, afterschool, or during lunch.
 Recitals must be made up within four weeks of class.
Quizzes
 Some quizzes are written and some are short performance quizzes on specific
techniques.
TEACHER HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS/POLICY
Just like any class at Liberty High School, this class always has homework. Students and
parents should be aware of the practice expectation: all students are to practice a
minimum of 2 hours a week.
** A tip from someone who was done a ton of practicing--cramming the home practice into
one or two long sessions will not be as effective as playing more frequently for shorter
segments.
Students are also encouraged to see live concerts of any musical genre to provide motivation
and help develop musicianship.
Students are responsible for meeting make-up work and paperwork deadlines. Late work is
not accepted unless the student has previously spoken with the director about an extension.
Paperwork deadlines will be announced.