Loudoun County Public Schools Middle School Guitar Studies Curriculum

Preface

The guitar program in Loudoun County Public Schools aims to prepare students

for the lifetime skill of playing the guitar as well as creating musically and culturally

literate performers and consumers of music. This curriculum is designed to teach

technical proficiency, fundamental skills, performance skills, as well as music history and

music theory of the instrument.

The guitar program is taught in Grades 7 thru 12 and is structured sequentially to

provide continuous instruction, gradually developing musicians with technical and

musical skills and a broad knowledge of a variety of musical styles and genres. The

curriculum is aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) and the National

Association for Music Education (NAfME) National Standards for Arts Education.

Student placement in a designated level is based on the individual student’s

current skill level and is at the discretion of the instructor. High student achievement at a

given level must be indicative of development at the following level, to warrant

promotion. All levels may be repeated for credit.

Guitar I Beginning Level

Virginia

Standards

of Learning

Technique 1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic guitar care and maintenance.

MG.8.2

2. Demonstrate proper sitting position. MG.8.3

3. Demonstrate proper left-hand and right-hand MG.8.4 playing techniques.

4. Tune using the 5th

fret method, and an MG.8.5

electric tuner.

5. Demonstrate ability to play with metronome MG.10.5 6. Demonstrate competence in pick-style and MG.9.2

finger-style (alternation rest and free-stroke). 7. Demonstrate effective practice, rehearsal, MG.15.2

and performance skills.

8. Perform RH arpeggio patterns with varying MG.9.2

combinations of p, i, m, a. 9. Slurs-ascending and descending (hammer- MG.12

on and pull-offs). 10. Students will demonstrate a clear and MG.9.1

proper tone. 11. The student will demonstrate completion of MG.15.2

assignments and/or practice.

Chords 1. Perform I-IV-V(V7) progressions in F, C, G, D, A, a minor, e minor.

MG.4.4

2. Play moveable power chords with roots on MG.4

5th

and 6th

strings

3. Play simple accompaniment patterns pick- MG.11

style and finger-style performing music from a

variety of cultures and historical periods.

4. Read chord charts. MG.1.2

Scales 1. Perform F, C, G, D, A, major, one-octave scales in first position.

MG.4.1,3

2. Perform a and e natural minor, one-octave MG.4.1

scales in first position.

3. One form of the moveable one-octave MG.4.2

pentatonic scale.

4. Perform a one-octave chromatic scale MG.4.1

ascending and descending.

Reading 1. Read and perform whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes and corresponding rests with the

quarter note receiving the count. 2. Read and perform dotted quarter and dotted

half notes with the quarter note receiving the

count.

3. Read and perform music in simple, duple,

and triple meters.

4. Read simple melodies at sight using above

notes and rhythms, in the keys mentioned in

the Scales section.

5. Read and perform ties.

6. Perform written articulations and dynamics.

MG.2

MG.2

MG.3

MG.2

MG.2

MG.12

Repertoire 1. Perform unaccompanied guitar solos and ensemble parts with technical accuracy,

musical phrasing, and dynamic contrast for

musical expression.

2. Identify and analyze composers, styles, and

historical periods from materials being studied.

Repertoire Levels 1-2

MG.12

MG.17.1

MG.11

Improvisation/

Composition

1. Improvise rhythms and accompaniments. 2. Improvise using the scales listed in Scales Section.

MG.13 MG.14

3. Compose melodies and rhythms, up to four MG.6.1

measures in duration, utilizing tools in the Reading Section.

4. Use available music technology. MG.6.2

Theory/Aural 1. Sing and accompany songs with chords. 2. Name all notes and their enharmonic

MG.1.4 MG.1

spellings from low E to A one ledger line

above the staff of the treble clef.

3. Name all notes on the fingerboard in first MG.1

position.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of basic MG.7

music terminology.

5. Identify I-IV-V(7) in the keys of F, C, G, D, MG.4.4

A, a minor, e minor.

6. Match pitch. MG.1.4

7. Ability to identify key signatures F, C, G, D, MG.1

A, a minor, e minor.

Aesthetics 1. Analyze and discuss individual and group performances. 2. Discuss musical performances and its value to community.

3. Demonstrate concert etiquette as an active

listener.

4. Identify career options in music.

MG.18.5

MG.19.4

MG.17.6

MG.17.4

Guitar II Intermediate

Level

*Students will be able to demonstrate

competency in Level 1 Skills* Virginia

Standards

of Learning

Technique 1. Demonstrate proper sitting position. 2. Demonstrate proper left-hand and right-hand

MG.8.3 MG.8.4

playing techniques. 3. Demonstrate increased competency in the MG.9.2

use of pick-style, rest stroke, and free stroke. 4. Tune using a variety of methods. MG.8.5

5. Perform rest and free stroke with the thumb. MG.9

6. Perform right-hand arpeggio patterns with MG.9.2

varying combinations of p, i, m, a. 7. Effectively use Barre techniques. MG.9

8. Demonstrate a clear and proper tone. MG.9.1

9. Properly execute natural harmonics. MG.9

10. Demonstrate completion of assignments MG.15.2

and/or practice.

11. Identify and repair minor problems of the MG.8.2

guitar.

Chords 1. Perform I-IV-V(V7) progressions in Bb, F, C, G, D, A, E, d minor, a minor, e minor.

2. Accompany songs using moveable chords

3. Perform major, minor, major 7, minor 7, Dominant 7, moveable chords with roots on

the 5th and 6th

strings.

MG.4.4

MG.4

MG.4

Scales 1. Perform Bb, F, C, G, D, A, E major scales in first position.

MG.4.1

2. Perform a, d, e natural and harmonic minor MG.4.1

in first position.

3. Perform one or more moveable two-octave MG.4.1

scale forms. 4. Perform one or more moveable forms of the MG.4

blues scale.

5. Perform a full-range chromatic scale, MG.4.1

ascending and descending in eighth notes.

MG

RII

eading 1. Demonstrate ability to read and perform

rhythms that include 16th

notes, syncopation, eighth note triplets, and more complex tuplet rhythms.

2. Perform written articulations and dynamics.

3. Perform and accurately read at sight, simple

melodies through the 5th

position using the keys listed in the Scales Section.

4. Perform and read music in compound meters.

MG.2 MG.12

MG.16

MG.3

Repertoire 1. Perform unaccompanied guitar solos and ensemble parts with technical accuracy and

musical expression. 2. Identify and analyze composers, styles, and

historical periods from materials being studied.

Repertoire Levels 3-4

MG.12

MG.17.1

MG.11

Improvisation/

Composition

1. Improvise over chord progressions in various musical styles. 2. Compose a melody with chord accompaniment of at least 12 measures.

MG.13

MG.6

Theory/Aural 1. Sing songs with accompaniments that include moveable chords.

MG.1.4

2. Demonstrate an understanding of music MG.7

terminology regarding articulation and

dynamics.

3. Identify notes on the fretboard through the MG.1

12th

fret.

4. Correctly identify and write key signatures MG.4 specified in the scale column. 5. Construct major scales. MG.4.1 6. Aurally identify major and minor. MG.4 7. Analyze chord progressions that include MG.4 secondary chords. 8. Sing a part while other students sing or play MG.1.4 contrasting parts.

Aesthetics 1. Analyze and discuss individual and group performances.

MG.18.5

2. Discuss musical performances and its value MG.19.4

to community.

3. Demonstrate concert etiquette as an active MG.17.6

listener.

4. Identify career options in music. MG.17.4

Guitar III Advanced Level

*Students will be able to demonstrate

competency in Level II Skills* Virginia

Standards

of Learning

Technique 1. Demonstrate proper posture and playing position.

2. Perform artificial harmonics. 3. Perform extended techniques such as

pizzicato, Bartok pizzicato, and tambura.

4. Perform RH exercises from Giuliani 120,

Tarrega, or other arpeggios.

5. Demonstrate increased competency in pick-

style performance (such as tremolo picking,

sweep-picking, etc.).

6. Demonstrate increased competency in free

stroke technique (such as Rasgueados and

Travis Picking).

7. Demonstrate a clear and proper tone.

8. Demonstrate completion of assignments

and/or practice.

9. Demonstrate musical phrasing and

stylistically-appropriate interpretation of music

being studied/performed.

10. Identify and repair minor problems of the

guitar.

MG.8.3

MG.9

MG.9

MG.9.2

MG.9

MG.9.

MG.9.1

MG.15.2

MG.12

MG.8.2

Chords 1. Accompany jazz standards with appropriate jazz chord voicings.

2. Arrange stylistically-appropriate chord

accompaniments or counter melodies to a

given melody.

MG.4,14

MG.4,14

Scales 1. Perform first position scales up to the keys of Eb and B major.

2. Perform two-octave, moveable major,

minor, and pentatonic scales.

3. Perform modal scales. 4. Perform a two-octave chromatic scale,

ascending and descending in sixteenth notes.

MG.4

MG.4.2

MG.4

MG.4.1

Reading 1. Read notes through the 12th

fret at sight. 2. Read mixed and asymmetrical meters.

MG.1.1 MG.3

3. Read two or more notes at once through fifth MG.1.1

position.

4. Read melodies with chromatic alterations. MG.1.1

5. Demonstrate the ability to read standard MG.4

and jazz chord symbols.

Repertoire 1. Perform solo compositions for classical guitar with technical accuracy and musical

expression that incorporate tempo changes and a variety of rhythms and meters.

2. Perform advanced ensemble repertoire with

technical accuracy and musical expression.

3. Identify and analyze composers, styles, and

historical periods from materials being studied.

Repertoire Level 5-6

MG.11 MG.11

MG.17.1

MG.11

Improvisation/

Composition

1.Improvise in rock, blues, and/or jazz styles to varying chord progressions.

MG.13

Theory/Aural 1. Demonstrate the ability to spell major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads.

2. Sing a part while other students sing or play

contrasting parts.

3. Build major and minor triads.

MG.4

MG.1.4

MG.4

Aesthetics 1. Analyze and discuss individual and group performances.

MG.18.5

2. Discuss musical performances and its value MG.19.4

to community.

3. Demonstrate concert etiquette as an active MG.17.6

listener. 4. Identify career options in music. MG.17.4

LCPS Guitar Ensemble Repertoire:(Classical)

Criteria for Grade Designation (Draft updated 8/6/15)

GRADE 1

Position: 1st

position; single line melody or alternating melody and bass.

R.H. Techniques:fingerstyle: rest stroke; i, m / free stroke i, m L. H. Techniques: limited use of ascending and descending slurs; bends, glissandi

Key Signature: Maximum of 2 #’s

Rhythm: tqth h. w ed Ties

Meter:Simple 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 2/2

Tempo: e with q = 70 - 84 Texture: Homophonic

GRADE 2

Position: Up to 2nd

position; single line melody or arpeggios R.H. Techniques: fingerstyle: rest stroke; i, m ; free stroke:, simple arpeggio patterns

L. H. Techniques: slur combinations

Key Signature: Maximum of 1 b or 3 #’s

Rhythm: Triplets, wo h. ht qt ed q. Meter:Simple 4/4, 3/4, 2/4

Tempo: e with q = 88 - 120 Chords: 1st position – F with partial bar Texture: limited use of polyphony

GRADE 3

Position: Up to 4th

/5th

position; 2 or 3 notes together R.H. Techniques: fingerstyle: rest stroke; free stroke: arpeggios using two notes together

L. H. Techniques: Slurs, trills, glissandos, natural harmonics, limited shifts

Key Signature: Maximum of 1 b or 4 #’s up to 1 key change

Rhythm: Sixteenth notes, q triplets, e triplets Meter:6/8 , 3/2, up to one meter change

Tempo: x with q = 70 - 84 Chords: limited use of 3 to 6 voice, notated chords Texture: limited use of polyphony

GRADE 4

Position: Up to 7th

and 9th position R.H. Techniques: fingerstyle: rest stroke; free stroke: artificial harmonics, pizzicatto, tambora,

rasgueado

L H. Techniques: Trills, ornamentation, shifts

Key Signature: Maximum of 2 b’s or 5 #’s, 2 or more key signature changes

Rhythm: e. ,complex tuplet patterns

Meter:odd meters 5/4 7/8 , limited use of meter changes

Tempo: x with q = 88 - 100

Chords: liberal use of barres Texture: polyphonic

GRADE 5

Position: Up to 10th and 12th position

R.H. Techniques: limited use of tremolo, rapid, complex arpeggios

L. H. Techniques: frequent shifts

Key Signature: Maximum of 4 b’s or 5 #’s, use of chromaticism

Rhythm: Syncopated rhythms

Meter:odd meters 5/4 7/8 , meter changes

Tempo: x with q = 104 - 112

Chords: use of partial, hinge , reverse hinge barres Texture: polyphonic

GRADE 6

Position: Complete Fingerboard

R.H. Techniques: tremolo, rapid scale passages

L. H. Techniques: complex fingerings, multi-voiced parts,

Key Signature: all keys, liberal use of chromaticism

Rhythm: complex syncopation

Meter:all meters , more than 3 meter changes

Tempo: x with q = 116 – 120+, frequent tempo changes

Chords: Liberal use of partial, hinge and reverse hinge barres Texture: polyphonic, polyrhythmic

Guitar Graded and Annotated Repertoire List.xls

Page 1

A B C D E G

1 Composer/Arranger Title # GTRS Collection Publisher Grade

2 Au, Darin Chasing Dragons 6-Apr Ed. Orph 4

3 4 Buzelli, Chris D.C. Blues 5+B&D Mel Bay 5

5 Buzelli, Chris Take 5 5+B&D Mel Bay 5

6 Caluda, Glen Fantasy 5

7 Caluda, Glen Folksong Trilogy 5

8 Chobanian, Song of Ararat 6

9 Cordoba, Jaime Danza Del Viento 5

10 Debussy/ Girl with the Flaxen Hair 6

11 Gammie, Ian La Tramovitana 5

12 Gaudreau El Condor Pasa 4

13 Granados/Eriksson Danzas Espanolas 4

14 Hartmetz, Romana A La Puerta 3 CGR21 CGR 1

15 Hartmetz, Romana Cluck Old Hen 3 CGR21 CGR 2

16 Hartmetz, Romana Korean Folk Song 3 CGR21 CGR 2

17 Hartmetz, Romana Latvian Melody 3 CGR25 CGR 3

18 Hartmetz, Romana Rosebuds in June 3 CGR30 CGR 4

19 Hartmetz, Romana Two Midwinter Carols 3 CGR25 CGR 3

20 Hirsh, Folk Song Collection 4 Mel Bay 4

21 Loncar, Miroslav 10 Studies 1 D'OZ 5

22 Loncar, Miroslav Croatian Dances 4 Easy Music 4

23 Loncar, Miroslav Pieces for Guitar 1 D'OZ 5

24 Loncar, Miroslav Who is Eve D'OZ 6

25 Luc Levasque Two Celtic Lullabies 3

26 Machado, Celso Xote 4 Modinha Bra H Lemoine 4

27 Machado, Celso Caterette 4 Modinha Bras H Lemoine 4

28 Machado, Celso Modinha 2 Modinha Bra H Lemoine 3

29 Praetorius, Michael Terpsichore 5

30 Sparks, Jeremy American Folk Songs 4 5

31 Sparks, Jeremy Irish Folk Medley 4 5

32 Tisserand, Thierry Fallabella 3 D'OZ 3

33 Tisserand, Thierry Monky Blues 3 D'OZ 3

34 Tisserand, Thierry Valse des Magiciennes D'OZ 3

35 Tisserand, Thierry Valse des Ombrelles D'OZ 2

36 Welch, Leo Middle Fork 4 CGR 4

37 Willis, Rex Floating Ancillary Ants 3 Tuscany P 5

38 York, Andrew Lotus Eaters 4-Jan GSP 6

39 York, Andrew Pacific Coast Highway 4 Corda 6

40 Zohn, Andrew Portamento Waltz 4 4

41 Despertar 5

42 Greensleeves 43 Buzelli, Chris The Unicorn Awakes 4 Jazz Vol. 1 Mel Bay 3

44 Ingram, Adrian A Minor Blues 3 Jazz Vol. 2 Mel Bay 2

Guitar Graded and Annotated Repertoire List.xls

Page 2

H

1 Comments

2 Syncopated, moderate higher position reading, artificial harmo

3 4 Jazz. Syncopated rhythms, upper pos.

5 Jazz. Syncopated rhythms, upper pos.

6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 Limited free stroke, repeated pattern

15 Limited free stroke, repeated pattern, slurs,harmonics

16 Optional tremolo, pitch bends

17 Scale passages in lower voices, melody in 3rd pos.

18 Artificial harmonics, upper positions

19 Dropped D tuning, some 5th and 7th position, free stroke

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 syncopated rhythms, upper positions, multi voiced parts

27 syncopated rhythms, 16th note scales in upper positions

28 upper position triads, free stroke arpeggios, melody in 5th pos.

29 30 strong arrangements, higher position reading, dropped D, free

31 multi-movement, tempo changes, artificial harmonics, dropped

32 33 34 35 36 Dorian mode, dropped D tuning,free stroke arp, some VII pos

37 Syncopation, highly-chromatic, some higher position reading,

38 reggae infl., fast triad passages req. shifts, up to 12th pos

39 Syncopated, Hemiola, higher position reading, tempo changes

40 long in duration, some higher position reading, reasonably sim

41 42 43 modal piece, free stroke arpeggios, modal improv.

44 Straight ahead minor Blues, improv using a nat. minor scale