Basic Music Syllabus

							                      Basic Music Syllabus 2007-2008
Course Description
Basic Music is an independent study. This means that the students are in control of the music
they pick to work on, and are also required to work on their own. Students are required to bring
their own instrument and combination lock, including any accessories like cords, amplifiers,
headphones, tuners, etc. Students are also expected to bring their own sheet music, guitar tabs,
and all other materials necessary to practice.

Class Procedures and Expectations
*The students will be assigned a practice room in which they will practice each day. There
will be three to five students assigned to each practice room, and students will not necessarily be
allowed to pick who they room with.
*The students will be assigned a locker, or in some cases two lockers in which they can store
their equipment. It is the student’s responsibility to bring in a combination lock for each locker
they are assigned. The combination to each lock must be shared with the teacher in case of
emergency. In some cases large lockers which hold amplifiers will be shared with one or two
other students. If a student does not bring in a lock, it is difficult to guarantee the safety of the
stored instruments and accessories.
*Students will be given five minutes at the beginning of each class. During this time students
are to get their instrument and everything they need to practice, use the bathroom, get a drink, and
get ready for class. After five minutes, the students are to be in their practice room and may not
leave until five minutes before the end of the class period.
*Students are expected to be on their best behavior. Because this is an independent study,
where students are in practice rooms on their own, it is difficult for the teacher to monitor all of
the students at once. It is crucial that students behave in a way that is respectful of all people and
property.

Grading Policy
Daily effort and participation - 100 points per quarter(2 pts/day)
*Students are expected to have their instrument and all necessary materials with them at the
beginning of class, including instrument, cords, amplifier, tuner, sheet music, tabs, lyrics to a
song, etc. Failure to be prepared for class will result in the reduction of one point.
*Students are expected to be practicing during the entire class period. Sitting around in the
practice room and talking is unacceptable. Failure to use class time for practicing will result in
the reduction of one point each time.
*Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Failure to act respectfully
will result in the reduction of one point each time. Parents will be contacted and appropriate
disciplinary action will be taken. No food or drink is allowed in the practice rooms except for
water.
Weekly performance – 100 points per quarter(10 pts/week)
Students will play a different song for the class each Friday. By Tuesday of each week, students
will be required to submit to the teacher the title of the song they are working on that week.
Failure to submit the title of the song by Tuesday will result in loss of 2 points for the Friday
performance. Proper audience behavior during each performance is required. Failure to show
respect during another student’s performance will result in the reduction of 2 points. Students
will be graded according to their talent level. The following rubric will be used to grade the
performances. If a student is absent on the day of the class performance, the student will be
allowed to make up their missed work for up to one week after he or she returns. If a student is
present on the day of the class performances, but is not prepared to perform, they will not be
allowed to make it up.
Basic Music Weekly Performance Rubric

9-10 points
-There is strong evidence of practice. There is a clear, deliberate beginning and ending.
The performance flows very smoothly.

7-8 points
-There is evidence of practice. There are a few mistakes, but for the most part,
everything goes well. There is still a clear beginning and ending.

5-6 points
-There is some evidence of practice. There are several mistakes and one or two
uncomfortable silences throughout the performance. There may be a weak beginning or
an abrupt ending.

3-4 points
There is little evidence of practice. There are many mistakes and long pauses during the
performance. There is a random beginning and an abrupt ending.

1-2 points
There is no evidence of practice. There is very little music played and there is mostly
uncomfortable silence. It is obvious that very little work has been done throughout the
week.


Please return the following contract signed by both parent and
student by September 13th. Students who have not turned it in by
then will not be allowed to perform on the first weekly
performance and will receive a zero grade for each week after
that until the contract has been turned in.
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Basic Music Contract

My child and I have read the Basic Music Syllabus and agree to abide by all procedures
and expectations. We will provide an instrument and all other necessary materials.

____________________________________                           ______________________________
      (Student Signature)                                            (Parent Signature)


Phone number where parent can be reached during school. (_______)________________