Teaching Popular Music and Guitar in the Classroom

Catalog description

This methods course prepares music educators to teach guitar, modern band, alternative strings and other nontraditional courses and ensembles in school settings. Students develop guitar pedagogy fundamentals and chordal literacy while integrating music technology. Group music making includes jamming, beat-making and songwriting. Grounded in culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy, the course emphasizes practical teaching strategies using rock, blues, pop and roots music repertoire to engage all skill levels and learners. Through hands-on guitar performance, ensemble work and technology integration, participants experience curriculum from both student and teacher perspectives, developing skills to attract and retain larger numbers of engaged music students in secondary programs. No prior guitar experience required.