Guitar Curriculum

Welcome to the Harrison Guitar Department!
The Guitar Program at Harrison School for the Arts is dedicated to providing the highest possible level of music education. The focus is on classical guitar, as a means of establishing the most rigorous approach to technique, musicianship, and interpretive skills. Students study the standard traditional methods and repertoire, as well as the most modern methods relevant to today's musical milieu. Students are prepared for the most competitive conservatories and universities, or for the beginnings of a career. Student s ply solos and perform in a variety of ensembles, playing repertoire spanning 5 centuries form the renaissance through contemporary music, and styles as diverse as Bach and Led Zeppelin.

Guitar Department audition requirements can be found here

Guitar Curriculum
Guitar I-IV
Instrumental Technique I-II
Music Theory I-II
Music Appreciation (Music History)
World Music Ensemble
AP Music Theory

Year I
Instrumental Technique I (1/2 Credit)
This course is designed to introduce the guitar student to the necessary technical and sight-reading skills, which will enable the student to better address the demands of an advanced curriculum. Students also work on solo classical guitar repertoire. This course is individualized to each student's ability level.
Music Theory I (1/2 Credit)
Study includes compositional practices and concepts from c. 1600 - 1900 beginning with rudimental musical principles and culminating in basic common-practice harmony and four-part vocal writing. Students are also introduced to beginning sight singing and ear training.
Guitar I 
These classes are the core guitar instruction classes and focus on preparation of the standard solo guitar repertoire, as well as the ensemble skills necessary to becoming an effective musician.

Year II
Music Theory II
A continuation of Music Theory I, Music Theory II will have students studying compositional practices and concepts from c. 1600 - 1900. These concepts begin with rudimental musical principles and culminate in common-practice harmony and four-part vocal writing through secondary dominant chords. Students also continue to develop their sight singing and ear training skills.
Guitar II
These classes are the core guitar instruction classes and focus on the study of the standard solo guitar repertoire, as well as the ensemble skills necessary to becoming an effective musician. Students are moved to a higher level, learning repertoire that would be appropriate for community college auditions.

Year III
Guitar III
These classes are the core guitar instruction classes and focus on preparation of the more advanced solo and ensemble repertoire. Students begin to prepare for college and university level auditions.
Instrumental Techniques II
This course is designed to allow the guitar student to further develop the technical and sight-reading skills which will enable the student to play advanced repertoire at the highest possible artistic level. Students will hone the skills that will afford them the best chance of admission to the most rigorous university and conservatory programs. 
Music Electives for Year III (students choose one):
World Music Ensemble 
The purpose of this choir is to explore through performance the various styles and cultures of different regions of the world.  Students will develop basic fundamental skills in vocal production, choral performance techniques and an appreciation for the influence of the arts upon all cultures.
AP Music Theory
This class serves as a culminating Music Theory experience.  Study will include basic musical principles through advanced harmonic study/composition.  Students will take the AP Music Theory test and may receive college credit, providing a passing score on the test is achieved.

Year IV
Comprehensive Music-Music History
The purpose of this course is for students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to value the historical contributions made by cultures and composers from 500 AD to present. Course content includes enabling students to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to identify music fundamentals, styles, composers, and performers. It also encompasses encouraging students to develop musical judgment and values, and requiring them to listen to live and recorded musical styles from various historical time periods.
Guitar IV
Students will perform advance ensemble music, as well and, where appropriate, will prepare advanced solo repertoire for college auditions.

Required Guitar Department Supplies
Instrumental Techniques - Strings/Winds/Percussion/Jazz/Guitar
• All instruments must be in working condition
• Folder
• Pencil
Electronic Music
Folder • Journal or notebook • Flash memory (no more than 1G is needed) 
AP Music Theory
Folder • Staff Paper (found free online) • Pencils 
Theory I 
Manuscript paper (8.5"x11") • 3-ring notebook • Pencils only 
Theory II
Manuscript paper (8.5"x11") • 3-ring notebook • Pencils only • Stereo headset • ¼" stereo adapter
Guitar
• Classical Guitar (nylon string)
• Guitar foot-stand or guitar support (for use at home only)
• Music stand (for use at home only)
• Metronome
• Electronic guitar tuner
• Staff paper
• 4 pencils
• 2 spare sets of nylon strings
• String winder
• Small wire cutter (for trimming end off guitar strings after changing)
• Emory boards (can be purchased at any store that sells nail care materials; pharmacy, grocery store, etc.)
• Nail buffer (can be purchased at any store that sells nail care materials; pharmacy, grocery store, etc.)
Please note that putting nylon strings on an acoustic (steel string) guitar is NOT an acceptable substitute.

Faculty
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B.S. Mus. Ed., Hofstra University, M.A. Brooklyn College CUNY, D.M.A., University of Miami
Robert Phillips holds a doctorate in music from the University of Miami, an M.A. in music from Brooklyn College, and a B.S in Music Education from Hofstra University.  He is former student of Rey de la Torre, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, and David Starobin. 
Dr. Phillips directs the guitar department at the Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, and teaches music theory there as well.  He is also an adjunct professor at Southeastern University, where he maintains a classical guitar studio and directs the classical guitar ensemble.  With nearly 40 years of teaching experience, Dr. Phillips’ former students have been admitted to Manhattan School of Music, Florida State University, the University of Miami, the State University of New York at Stony Brook, Belmont University, Brooklyn College, Hofstra University, and Yale University.
Since making his solo guitar debut to a sold-out Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Dr. Phillips has performed in a diverse range of venues – from traditional concert halls, including New York’s prestigious Town Hall and Lincoln Center, to jazz nightclubs.  He has appeared as a guest soloist with the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, the Bach Festival Orchestra, and the West Islip Chamber Orchestra.  Dr. Phillips has appeared as a guest artist at the Miami International Guitar Festival, the Guitar Foundation of America, and the American String Teachers’ Association, as well as numerous regional level performing arts series.He has been a guest on numerous radio stations, performing live on NPR member stations including WNYC (New York City), WAMC (Albany), WMHT (Troy, NY), as well as WDST (Woodstock), WMNF (Tampa).  His recordings have been featured on both classical radio stations and jazz radio stations, including WQCD (New York City), and have been regularly featured on nationally syndicated shows including “Guitar Alive” and “New Sounds”.  
Dr. Phillips is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from Hofstra University’s George M. Estabrook Alumni Association, and of a Japan Fulbright.