Tutor
Dr Libby Myers
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
The guitar is a portable and versatile instrument that can be used in a wide variety of musical genres and for a diverse repertoire, from classical to folk to contemporary popular music. This course provides an opportunity for practical study of this guitar, enabling the development of basic skills, knowledge and competencies to prepare you for future use of the instrument in diverse performance settings.
Please note that this course offering may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students enrol.
The course covers the fundamental technical elements of guitar playing and provides students with an experience of the guitar tradition across a variety of styles.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course assumes that students have no previous knowledge of guitar. Previous musical experience is desirable but not considered a prerequisite.
Restrictions
Course offering may be cancelled unless a minimum of 10 students enrol.
Course contact
Course coordinator
Ms Doretta Balkizas
Aims and outcomes
- You will demonstrate your understanding of foundational technique in fingerstyle guitar playing.
- You will demonstrate your understanding of the rudiments of music notation.
- You will perform a variety of works in classical and popular styles of guitar playing.
- You will demonstrate your aural awareness and understanding of the diverse repertoire, history and styles of guitar playing.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate basic guitar performance skills
LO2.
Understand foundational musicianship through note reading and rhythmic skills, and perform with appropriate expression and style
LO3.
Demonstrate a capacity for reflective practice and problem solving in your musical practice
LO4.
Demonstrate an understanding of the depth of repertoire of the guitar, and the context in which the instrument developed
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Formative Assessment on Guitar
|
Formative |
Checkpoint 1 - Due in-person, in class time 22/08/2025 5:00 pm Checkpoint 2 - Video submission via Blackboard 26/09/2025 5:00 pm |
| Performance, Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical Assessment on Guitar with Written Reflection
|
60% |
17/10/2025 5:00 pm |
| Quiz |
Knowledge of Repertoire
|
40% |
27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025
To be completed in class. |
Assessment details
Formative Assessment on Guitar
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Formative
- Due date
Checkpoint 1 - Due in-person, in class time 22/08/2025 5:00 pm
Checkpoint 2 - Video submission via Blackboard 26/09/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
This formative assessment “checkpoint” ensures that you have the necessary skills to perform to an appropriate standard for the Practical Assessment performance, and provides a formal opportunity for feedback. The lecturer will discuss in class the skills that you will need to demonstrate and provide feedback based on the assessment criteria for the Practical Assessment performance.
Video submissions for Checkpoint 2 must adhere to the following requirements:
- Each performance is to be one continuous take.
- Your hands, fretboard and face must be visible.
- Students should announce their name, the date of recording. and the title of the work performed. For example, “My name is Jane Smith. The date is 18 September 2025 and my first piece is xxxxxx.”
- A high-quality recording device should be used, i.e. a recent model smart phone (using the back camera) or tablet might be suitable. Whatever device you choose to use to record your video exam, please ensure you test it first for both audio and visual quality.
- Video resolution of 720p is recommended (minimum 480p).
- Choose a quiet location with good lighting and minimal ambient noise.
When uploading to Blackboard, ensure your video file size is no bigger than 100MB in size. Files larger than this are unlikely to successfully upload. If the file size is too large, you will need to compress the video before uploading.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
This assessment is to be completed in person during class time.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
As this is formative assessment that provides a formal opportunity for feedback, with no impact on the final grade, no extensions will be available.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Practical Assessment on Guitar with Written Reflection
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Performance, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
17/10/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Part A:
You will select five pieces to perform, demonstrating a range of styles that you will have learned and studied in class. The tutor will suggest which pieces you may choose from the material given out in class.
Methods of performing these will be discussed in detail in class.
- Two classical pieces should be taken from the Classical Repertoire list detailed on Blackboard. These pieces will be handed out and discussed in class.
- Two pieces should demonstrate proficiency with popular guitar styles. Again, suggestions will be listed on Blackboard and handed out and discussed in class.
- The fifth piece may be taken from either the classical or popular repertoire lists. No preference is given to either style.
Each student is expected to display competency with a variety of techniques, such as different types of chords as well as styles utilizing individual notes. Each student should also display correct technique for both hands, as well as posture.
Practical Assessment video submissions must adhere to the following requirements:
- Each performance is to be one continuous take.
- Your hands, fretboard and face must be visible.
- Students should announce their name, the date of recording. and the title of the work performed. For example, “My name is Jane Smith. The date is 18 September 2025 and my first piece is xxxxxx.”
- A high-quality recording device should be used, i.e. a recent model smart phone (using the back camera) or tablet might be suitable. Whatever device you choose to use to record your video exam, please ensure you test it first for both audio and visual quality.
- Video resolution of 720p is recommended (minimum 480p).
- Choose a quiet location with good lighting and minimal ambient noise.
When uploading to Blackboard, ensure your video file size is no bigger than 100MB in size. Files larger than this are unlikely to successfully upload. If the file size is too large, you will need to compress the video before uploading.
This practical assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Part B:
A written reflection of up to 400 words on your learnings and progress throughout the course. Advice on how to complete this will be discussed in tutorials and available on Blackboard.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
These recorded performances written reflection will be submitted through Turnitin on Blackboard.
When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin, you should see the "Submission Complete!" message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send it to you automatically.
If you don't see the downloadable Digital Receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.
If the submission was not successful, note the error message (preferably take a screenshot), then go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again. If you cannot submit again, email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Knowledge of Repertoire
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025
To be completed in class.
- Learning outcomes
- L04
Task description
You will study the pieces given in the Spotify playlist by following this link .
Each track represents a different aspect of the guitar’s history, and will be discussed in classes throughout the semester.
In the exam, you will hear a short excerpt of one of the tracks from the playlist. This excerpt can come from any point in the track.
You will then respond to the associated question regarding the track. The answers to these questions will be discussed in detail in class, and only short responses are required.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Not a submissible item, this assessment takes place during your scheduled tutorial.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
As this assessment must take place in person with an academic team member present, it is your responsibility to contact the course coordinator to arrange a new time and date if an extension is approved.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some engagement with the assessment tasks; however no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Deficiencies in understanding the fundamental concepts of the field of study |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Adequate knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Good knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Substantial knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Mastery of content |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Guitar | Students are required to have their own guitar in order to complete this course. The School of Music does not have guitars available for hire. | own item needed |
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Weekly Tutorials The course is delivered in two one-hour tutorials per week; students are encouraged to attend and participate in both tutorials. Learning activities will be focused on the practical study of the guitar, in a range of different styles. This will include topics such as: General guitar care General music terminology Location of notes Correct technique Context of guitar history Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Not Timetabled |
Individual Practice Students are expected to spend approximately 8 hours per week in individual practice and preparation time. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Additional learning activity information
Students are expected to engage with all learning activities relevant to their studies. Students should be aware that this is a practical class and that missing classes will impact ability to advance satisfactorily. As a courtesy to course staff, students are requested to discuss any foreseen circumstances involving a potential absence from class and also to consult in the event of missing a class through unforeseen absence. Staff cannot not take responsibility for students falling behind due to class absence.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- School of Music site
- Health and Wellbeing for Musicians