HS+Guitar-Piano+Class

** //Cape Hatteras Secondary School Music//

High School Guitar/Piano Class ** Fall 2009

**__ About Guitar/Piano Class __** **__ Class Requirements/Grades __** Students will receive grades based on;
 * Piano Class – Half of the class is designed to give you some basic beginning skills on the piano/keyboard. You will learn the basic layout of a piano, the notes, and how to play with both hands. Playing tests (electronic and live) will track your progress through the course. You do not need anything for this portion of the class, you can use the school's keyboards and music. **
 * Guitar Class – This half of the class is designed to give you some basic beginning skills on the guitar. You must have your own guitar, an acoustic guitar is recommended. (Students may use an electric guitar but we will not be using amps!) You will learn to read notes on the individual strings, chords, strumming patterns and tabulature. **
 * 50% Participation** - It is not good enough to simply show up for rehearsals and performances – you must be ready to play. The participation policy is based upon the daily preparedness, conduct, and performance of each member through out the grading period. __Students are expected to use the full time in every class to work with the group or on individual tests.__ Failure to have your materials or to participate fully will result in lowering/loss of participation grade for that day.
 * 50% Playing/ Written Tests** - Tests may take the form of performance or in written form. Students will receive the playing test sheet at the beginning of the semester. Students need to keep up with the playing tests to reinforce the skills needed to learn their instruments.

** Music Events: **
 * Spring Concert:** Depending on the progress of the class students may be invited to perform a few short songs at our annual spring concert in may.
 * Helpful Hints for Proper and Meaningful Practice **
 * 1) Practice the same time each day for steady improvement. This really works!
 * 2) Have a definite set of goals to accomplish during the practice session. Know what you want to do rather than playing notes aimlessly.
 * 3) Warm-up carefully on the instrument, using Long Tones and slow scales. Use of crescendo/diminuendo on the long tones will assist greatly in tone and pitch development.
 * 4) Practice intelligently. If a part is difficult, then one must practice the part very slowly one note at a time of necessary. Increase the tempo as you get the notes under your fingers.
 * 5) Sit forward and up on the chair when playing to provide for maximum lung usage and proper breathing. If possible stand when you practice every other day or so.
 * 6) The most important concept to focus upon as you play is Good Tone Quality