Music 36 A, B, C, D: Beginning and Intermediate Guitar


This is a course designed for students interested in becoming proficient playing guitar. I hope this class will be informative and enjoyable. There are, of course, expectations that will play an important role in this class.

In this course, we will learn how to read music and guitar notation, and how to play as a group.

A certain amount of dedication is neeeded to achieve our goal--and that is to PLAY WELL! This dedication translates into practice time, which is about 30 minutes a day, so please decide if you can afford this much time. For the first six weeks, we will play as a group. Later on, individual instruction will occur when time permits. We will have written tests and performance evaluations. The grading procedures will be as follows:

50% Attendance
25% Written tests
15% Required song (to be completed by the end of the semester)
10% Performance evaluation (3 times)

In order to help everyone play better, I need to see and hear you. Attendance is a very important part of this class. If you think you will miss a class, please call the school at (408) 988-2200, and leave a message for me so I will know you are still enrolled.

Items to bring to class:

  1. Nylon string guitar
  2. Book: The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method Vol. 1 or
    The Aaron Shearer Guitar Method, Vol. 1
  3. Music writing paper
  4. Guitar footstool

Optional items:

  1. Tuning fork
  2. Pitch pipe
  3. Quartz guitar tuner
  4. Augustine guitar strings

If you need advise on purchasing a guitar, please consult with me. I also have a list of music stores in the area if you wish to purchase or rent a guitar.

Click here for information on the guitar instructor, Phillip Vargas. Click here to go back to the Mission College Guitar Page.