Guitar

This course prioritizes a 21st century curriculum that is classically based. Students focus on tone production, ensemble participation, and fingerstyle techniques. Through performing together as an ensemble, students will learn to read music. An innovative approach is used to introduce music notation reading as part of a daily ensemble routine that is musical, intuitive, and rewarding.

Students at the intermediate level continue their exploration of the instrument and build on the foundations gained at the beginner level. At the intermediate level, students develop a deeper understanding of musicianship and its relationship to cultivating excellence in guitar performance. Through ensemble performance, students build their knowledge of the fingerboard and its relationship to melody and harmony. The intermediate guitarist will also explore classical guitar solo performance, as well as other styles of music most notably Blues and Jazz.

Students at the advance level will learn to play ensemble music that is increasingly more expressive, dynamic, and rhythmically complex. Students will begin serious pursuit of classical solo guitar works, as well as survey other popular styles such as Jazz, Blues, Mariachi, and Rock. Through teaching a diverse survey of styles along with expanded flat pick technique, students will gain the knowledge to relate classical technique and ensemble performance to any other style of guitar music. Our advanced level guitar program provides students with the skills and preparation to enter competitive High School music programs, as well as the knowledge to advance in guitar beyond the scope of this program.