FNAR 1303 A: The Guitar in Western Music offers an overview of and a wide-ranging appreciation for the guitar within the broad tradition of Western music, exploring the guitar in its many forms and across many genres of musical expression. The course examines the history of the guitar (and of related instruments such as the lute, vihuela and bandora), its design evolution, the approaches to technique which the evolving instrument has engendered, its repertoire, its performance practices and contexts (from the court and the salon to the dance hall and the modern concert stage), its socio-cultural profile, and the composers and performers whose contributions to guitar music have been particularly notable. There will be an emphasis on the classical guitar (both as a solo instrument and in chamber ensembles) since 1820, but there will also be a significant exploration of a number of 20th- and 21st-century popular forms of guitar expression. No previous knowledge of music theory or guitar-playing ability is necessary, but all types of previous musical experience would be an asset for the course. Term assignments include extensive reading and music listening, two short papers, three short assignments, and a brief class presentation; classes consist of lecture-demonstrations, informal discussions, workshops, brief student presentations, and presentations by invited guests.
Term Work
A. Essays (25%) There will be two compulsory short essays (approximately 500 words each) assigned during the course worth 10% and 15% respectively. The due dates are February 28 and April 4. Documentation should follow MLA style, though consistent use of either CMS or APA style is also acceptable. Grades will be lowered on overdue papers, but reasonable requests for brief extensions without penalty will be considered if the request is made before the due date.
B. Participation (15% and 10%) 15% of the final course mark will be based on three brief assignments (due January 31, March 14 and March 28) related directly to specific music performances, recordings or readings. These assignments will be required at regular intervals and should focus on a particular aspect of one or several selected or suggested works or performances from a critical perspective. The other 10% of the participation mark will be based on in-class student comments and on a brief in-class presentation. All students are strongly encouraged to contribute regularly and meaningfully to class proceedings.
Mid-term Test and Final Exam (15% and 35%)
There will be one mid-term test on February 14, which will be worth 15% of the final mark. The final exam, which will be worth 35% of the final mark, is currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 19, at 2 p.m. Final grades are in accordance with the grading system outlined in Section Seven B of the 2021-22 STU Academic Calendar.
Attendance
Attendance at classes is mandatory. Students who miss more than three class hours without a legitimate excuse will have their marks lowered. Repeated unexcused absences will result in automatic failure.
Textbook
There is no required textbook for this course.
Supplementary Materials
• Coelho, Victor Anand, ed. The Cambridge Companion to the Guitar
• Fischer, Paul et al., eds., The Classical Guitar: A Complete History
• Latham, Alison, ed., The Oxford Companion to Music
• Noad, Frederick. The Frederick Noad Guitar Anthology (4 vols.)
• Sadie, Stanley, ed., The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 2nd ed. (29 vols.), available at the HIL Library and at the UNB Centre for Musical Arts
• Summerfield, Maurice J., The Classical Guitar: Its Evolution, Players and Personalties Since 1800
• Taruskin, Richard, The Oxford History of Western Music (6 vols.)
• Wade, Graham. A Concise History of the Classic Guitar
Additional materials and resources (such as instructor CDs and handouts) will be provided throughout the term. Detailed course content and guided research and listening activities appear on the FNAR 1303 A Moodle site for each week of the course.
- Teacher: Steven Peacock