MUS 83B: Beginning Guitar
Spring 2013
Room V207
7:45-10.00 p.m.
Dr. Brandon Bernstein
Email: bjbernstein@pasadena.edu
Office Hours: room C121. Can be arranged
in class or by email to set up appointment
Course Description
Introduction to the performance technique of pop/rock guitar as well as music theory
fundamentals. Music 83B is a guitar class intended for students that have some
experience playing guitar and/or have taken MUS 83A. By the end of the semester the
student will be able to read music/tablature on the guitar, know all basic shape chords,
know all barre chords, begin fingerstyle techniques, know notes on guitar, have
developed their ear a great deal, and have some repertoire of pop/rock songs-both classics
and contemporary pieces.
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES (Use measurable objectives only)
Upon
completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Demonstrate proper right and left hand techniques for playing the guitar.
Read, recognize and interpret musical notation for the guitar (including all basic
musical signs and symbols) to perform melodies and accompaniments in the first
position and up to the fifth fret.
Utilize common chord formations to perform various accompaniment styles (such as
strummed chords and fingerpicked arpeggios).
Apply basic music theory to the guitar (including transposition and construction of
chords).
Demonstrate performance skills by performing solo and ensemble songs drawn from
various musical styles.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate the ability to use right hand techniques including: free-stroke, alternate
fingers (e.g., index and middle, selected arpeggio patterns taken from Giuliani op.
1A) and rest-stroke using alternate index and middle fingers
2. Maintain proper hand position while playing scales, simple melodies, simple
chords, and chord changes. 3. Identify parts of the guitar, terminology, and musical symbols. Student Performance Objectives: (Objectives for all credit courses must indicate that
students will learn critical thinking and will be able to apply concepts at college
level. Objectives must be related to items listed in Section 11 & 12.)
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to.... 1. Play
accompaniments using the following techniques:
a. bass/strum
b. alternating bass,
playing first the root then the
fifth of the chord.
c. bass runs
d. arpeggios
(pimapima, pimami)
e. syncopated strum patterns
2. Play accompaniment using
chords learned in Music 83A plus the
following chords: Dmaj.7, Gmaj.7, Cmaj.7,
Amaj.7, Fmaj.7, G6,
A6, Dm7, Am7, Em 7, Esus, and bar chords based on E and A
major,
minor and dominant seventh fingerings.
3. Play melodies
. in the keys of
C, G, D, A and Eb. in 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8.
c. that incorporate whole, half, quarter,
eighth, dotted quarter
and dotted half notes.
d. that have syncopated rhythms.
4.
Transpose accompaniments.
5. Write and identify major scales and key
signatures.
6. Identify and play major and perfect intervals.
7. Analyze phrase
structure and simple musical forms.
8. Use counting system to decipher and learn
new rhythms.
9. Analyze scales and melodies and choose appropriate fingerings.
Course Website
www.professorbernstein.com
Text And Materials
1. Rock Like The Pros by Terry Carter
2. Students need to bring their guitar to class each week (both acoustic and electric
guitars are fine)
3. Guitar Picks
4. Guitar Tuner (Guitars must be in tune at beginning of class)
5. Three ringed notebook (binder) with manuscript paper
Grading
Grades with be computed using the following scale
Class Participation and Attendance
Midterm
Quizzes and Homework
Notebook
Final
25%
25%
15%
10%
25%
Class Participation and Attendance
Participation will be monitored each class and will count towards your final grade.
Participation also includes homework and quizzes.
Midterm and Final
There will be one midterm and final for this course. Each of these exams will be
compromised of two parts: one written and one part performance based. The instructor
will give the dates.
Notebook
I require all students to have a three-ringed notebook, which will hold all materials
handed out in class. Also included in your notebook will be manuscript paper and chord
paper, which I will hand out at the first few weeks of class.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Due to the fact that most of the material in this class is active music listening,
Attendance is of utmost importance. Both quizzes and exams will include material that
can only be known from attending the class. If a student needs to be absent, he/she must
inform the instructor before class by email. Students are expected to attend class regularly
and be on time. If a class is missed, it is the student’s responsibility to get the class notes
and other missed information.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS: Students with verified disabilities requiring
accommodations should make a specific request of the instructor in a timely manner, at
the beginning of the semester and at least one week
prior to the verified and identified need.
FOOD & BEVERAGE IN THE CLASSROOM: To maintain a cleaner classroom
environment and to avoid distractions, food and drinks (except for water in closed
containers) may not be consumed in the classroom.
Students eating in the room will be asked to leave and will receive an absence for the
class meeting.
PAGER, CELL PHONE, and OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES: All electronic
devices are to be turned off while class is in session, unless prior permission from the
instructor is given. If devices are used, the class may be given a pop quiz.
Students With Disability: If you have a disability documented by a physician or other
appropriate professional and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact
the DPS office (626-585-7127) ASAP. Please be sure to allow adequate time to
arrange an appropriate accommodation.
***THERE WILL BE NO INSTRUCTOR DROPS. IT IS THE STUDENT’S
RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER AND DE-REGISTER.IF YOU NEED
ADDITIONAL TIME TO COMPLETE A TEST OR IF YOU REQUIRE ANY
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, YOU MUST NOTIFY THE INSTRUCTOR IN
A TIMELY MANNER. OTHERWISE YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO ADHERE
TO THE INFORMATION INCLUDED ON THIS COURSE SYLLABUS.