Instructor:            Dr. Thomas Echols, 323-898-7717; thomas.echols@austincc.edu Office Hours by Appt. 

Description:          This course covers the fundamentals of chamber ensemble playing. Students will learn classical guitar technique, while reading music. Musicianship and fret board knowledge will be emphasized.

Materials:                

• Nylon String classical guitar. These are available for rent from Strait Music or Rock and Roll Rentals if you do not wish to purchase one. Contact the instructor for further assistance and to make sure that your guitar is appropriate for this class.
• A metal, folding footstool (available at most music stores)
• A tuner
• A Metronome
• Ensemble Class App (this will be provided for free by the instructor)
• The Ensemble Class app, available for free from the instructor. This is a necessary tool that we consistently use as part of the weekly assignment and is required

 Outcome:                Improve general musicianship, playing technique, rehearsal technique, and listening, ensemble, and performing skills through various styles of chamber music and fundamental exercises. 

Grading:  

•  Assignments: 50%

You will receive copies of your music in class to take with you.  We will discuss our rehearsal plan at the end of each class for the next class and/or it will be sent in email.  Please have your music learned and your music with you at every class.  We will also work on various fundamental exercises.  Please be prepared to play those exercises. We will use the EnsembleClass app to practice throughout the week as well as make recordings. This app is required

• Rehearsal Participation 25%

Please be on time, with your music, tuner/metronome, tuner pickup, Foundations book, and a working instrument, ready to be engaged and attentive at rehearsal. 

• Performances 25%

See Syllabus handout from class - issued first day of classes.  Dates will be according to issued syllabus

POLICIES

Attendance:           Attendance is mandatory. If you are unable to attend a scheduled rehearsal, please contact the instructors before the missed class to receive an excused absence. Professors will determine if it is an excused or unexcused absence.

                                       Excused Absences:  You are allowed two excused absences. 

                                       Unexcused Absences:  Each excused absence after two will result in the drop of a letter grade. Each unexcused absence, which is to be determined by the instructors, will also result in the drop of a letter grade.  

Withdrawals:       Withdrawal from this class is the sole responsibility of the student. Students who wish to withdraw from the course should initiate withdrawal procedures with the Admissions and Records office. Stopping class attendance without withdrawing will result in a grade based on the entiresemester. 

                                       Last date for withdrawal is 26 April.

All sheet music will be provided by the instructor. Students are required to bring music to each class.

This course covers the fundamentals of chamber ensemble playing. Students will learn classical guitar technique, while reading music. Musicianship and fret board knowledge will be emphasized.

Improve general musicianship, playing technique, rehearsal technique, and listening, ensemble, and performing skills through various styles of chamber music and fundamental exercises.