Week of October 26 - 30 Spanish Theme

This week we introduced a new warm up based on the 1972 Song, "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple.  On each string we played the following fret progression 0  3  5  0  3  6 5  0  3  5  3  0  to warm up our fingers

On Monday I introduced a favorite song of mine and taught the students how to hold their guitars in classical position

Classical Guitar Position

Then I introduced them to Spanish Theme and have been teaching techniques such as chunking, rest stroke, and adding dynamics to songs.

One of my students recorded me several years ago playing this song (just the left hand) so he could practice it at home.  He posted it on Youtube so I will include the link.  I regret that I was not playing in classical position to demonstrate, but hopefully the fingerings will be of help to my students:

Spanish Theme Link

On Tuesday we also learned an alternating bass technique to accompany songs.  This is in the book on pg 24.

We practiced it with "Monster Mash" (G Em C D )  and brushed up on the simplified chords in "Thriller" (Am D  E7  F  G) with a straight strum

We have Guest Artists coming on Friday

Guest Artist - Dyer Highway

On Wednesday, October 7  after reviewing some of our songs and patterns, we were privileged to hear from our Guest Artists,

Dyer Highway.  

They are a family band consisting of two sisters and a brother that have been playing country music since they were small.  They have played on numerous stages and with various famous people. This past summer they opened for Diamond Rio at the Sandy Amphitheater.  They have also recorded in Nashville and write most of their songs.

They gave a some great tips on Performing and overcoming fear and nervousness:

Think positive thoughts

Believe that people want you to succeed  - because they do!

Take deep breaths and relax

Don't be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake - just keep trying

Practice and prepare well before.

Week of October 20-22

Guitar Performances were held this week to end the quarter.  The students were brave and performed in front of each other.  It was fun to see the progress!

Two other songs we have covered a bit over the last week and a half were:

Viva La Vida by Coldplay   - using strum pattern 6  (down down up up down up)

You're Gonna Miss Me (the cups song from Pitch Perfect)- that helped us to do two chords in a measure with pattern 6)

We also warmed up with "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"  which repeats the chord progression:

G  D  G  C

Perfomance Assignment/ Extra Credit Options

October 20th and 22nd, the week after fall break, Students will be performing for each other in class. 

Here are the guidelines:


1. Students may perform in groups of 4 or less or individually


2. Students may choose from the songs or exercises we have done in class or they may choose their own song (must be appropriate and approved by teacher in advance).  It must be at least 16 measures long.  It must be played with a 3/4 or a 4/4 strumming pattern. 


3. Students will be evaluated on correct position, chord formation, consistent rhythm, chord changing, and continuity.  Singing is not required but may earn up to 5 pts extra credit.


4.  Students will be allowed to sign up for their choice of dates starting 10/7

Here is the Grading Form I will be using:

Grading Rubric for Guitar 1

                                                                                                                           Student        Teacher

Posture (4pts)	*Sits tall in chair *Waist of guitar over right leg *Guitar neck angled upward *Guitar is stable and secure
Right Hand/Arm Position (2pts)	*Fingers/forearm do not touch front of guitar *Stability is created between the arm just below the        elbow &  the guitar centered in the chest
Left Hand Position (4pts)	*Shoulder and arm are relaxed *Thumb remains behind the neck of the guitar *Fingers hover over assigned frets *Maintains space between palm and neck
Chords (4pts)	*Never plays correct fingering and # of strings (1 pt) *Rarely plays correct fingering and # of strings (2 pts) *Usually plays correct fingering and # of strings (3 pts) *Always plays correct fingering and # of strings (4pts)
Rhythm (4 pts)	*No rhythms played accurately (1 pt) *Few rhythms played accurately (2 pts) *Most rhythms played accurately (3 pts) *All rhythms played accurately (4 pts)
Continuity (2 pts)	*Several  “false starts”  no steady pulse (1 point) *Steady pulse throughout  (2 pts)

Singing (up to 5 pts extra credit)

Other Extra Credit Options: (Due by October 22)

1. Show me your Organized 3 ring Binder containing ALL handouts, (music, worksheets, etc) – worth 10 pts

 

2. Attend a guitar performance and write a 1 page paper evaluating the technique (hand position, chord changes, rhythm, musicality etc)  - worth 15 pts

 

3. Write an original song - worth 25pts + 10 if you perform it for the class

 

4. Enter Reflections contest for MusicalComposition (Due October 23) - worth 50 pts  http://www.utahpta.org/entry-forms

The Theme for the

2015-16 Reflections program is:

LET YOUR IMAGINATION FLY

 

 

Week 9/29-10/1 3/4 Strum Patterns, Muted Strum Patterns, Two chords to a Measure

This week we continued to work on the 3/4 Strum Patterns from last week and we went over pages 16-18 in the book.  This taught us about the Primary Bass or Root of a chord.


We started a new song by Jack Johnson called "Talk of the Town" using a muted strum pattern on page 18 of the book.  It used a simple chord progression of   C  Am7  D7  G   with one addition of a Cm which is just like a Bm only you start it on the 3rd Fret.


In 4th period we also began learning a song involving two chords to a measure, "You're Gonna Miss Me".


On Page 20 we began learning about the Key or Tonality of song and how to determine the chords that are usually used in a song.


Students should be practicing all the songs that we have learned and perfecting their chord Transitions and strengthening their fingers and rhythm