Guitar Talk for ages 5-12
Grade Level: K-6
Time Allotment: 50 minutes
Overall Theme: The interaction between musical performers in an ensemble is similar to the interaction between people in daily life.
Goal: Students will 1) hear a musical imitation as similar melodies are played by performers in succession, 2) count entrances of a fugue subject, 3) gain more awareness of the interplay between different musical motives, 4) consider sudden contrast as an element of musical humor.
MGQ in Los Angeles with students from Westchester High School
Guitar Talk for ages 13-adult
Grade level: 7 – adult
Time Allotment: 50 minutes
Overall Theme: This Guitar Talk program is similar in structure and theme to the K-6 Guitar Talk, but features more advanced music and analysis.
Guitar Ensemble/Orchestra
Grade level: all ages
Time Allotment: two hours rehearsal followed by performance
Overall Theme: Playing in a guitar ensemble is fun! An ensemble can be anything from 2 to 100.
Goal: Guitar players of all styles and levels from the community will come together for the rehearsal and performance of one or more pieces of music for guitar ensemble.
Masterclass/Coaching Session
MGQ in Chicago with NE Illinois University masterclass participants
Grade level: all ages
Time Allotment: 30 minutes per player or ensemble
Overall Theme: These classes are essentially private lessons done in public. The performers experience the benefits of both private instruction and performing in public. This program is a great opportunity for solo guitarists, guitar ensembles and mixed ensembles.
Goal: Each performer or group of performers will play for the MGQ and a public audience. The members of the MGQ will then offer specific advice about how the performer(s) might be able to improve their performance. Such advice may include tips on 1) achieving more technical proficiency, 2) developing increased musical understanding of the music at hand, 3) more effectively projecting ones musical ideas to bring about a more successful and expressive performance, 4) improving communication within an ensemble.
