Page 50 - 2025-2026 District Program of Studies Revised 3.24.25_Neat

Instrumental Music

PIANO LAB Year 5 Credits GRADES 9-12
⭐New Course!

This course offers beginning instruction in electric piano. Students will learn how to read music notation and
then perform it on the piano. Outside practice is highly recommended but is not required. It is not required that
a student possess either an acoustic piano or a digital keyboard at home, but having one would allow much
faster progression through the course material. The types of piano music studied are American and
international folk songs, musical theatre, and standards from the Western piano repertoire. Because students
may cycle through four years of this course, each year they will focus on a different skill set, technology and
literature. This course meets Technology requirements.

GUITAR Year 5 Credits GRADES 9-12

This course offers beginning instruction on acoustic guitar. Students learn music fundamentals, chord
structures, music notation and theory, strumming patterns and techniques, the basics of finger picking and
playing lead guitar, and instrumental techniques for accompanying and playing traditional and contemporary
songs. Students will learn traditional right-handed methods and techniques. The music covered will include
songs by recent and diverse performers. Because students may cycle through four years of this course, each
year they will focus on a different skill set, technology and literature. This course meets Technology
requirements.

INTRO TO INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Year 5 Credits GRADES 9-12

This class is designed for students who have no previous instrumental music experience and wish to
learn to play a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. Piano and stringed instruments are not
taught in this course. The student will learn the basics of music reading and playing in an ensemble.
Completion of this course will lead to participation in the Concert, Marching, Pep and/or Jazz Bands.
The school can supply most instruments, but in some cases the student may be responsible for
obtaining an instrument through rental or purchase. This course meets Technology requirements.

CONCERT BAND Year 5 Credits GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience and the ability to read music, or the
approval
of the band director. Students with no instrumental experience should contact the music
department and begin taking lessons prior to the beginning of the school year or register
for
Introduction to Instrumental Music.

This course is designed for students interested in performing instrumental literature in a variety of styles.
Students will explore the technical and aesthetic demands of quality concert band music and will gain
knowledge of the basic music theory behind it. The concert band gives a number of concerts during the school
year, and the after-school dress rehearsals and concert performances are required. Students are encouraged
to participate in the instrumental lesson program run by the music department. This course meets
Technology requirements.

Black Horse Pike Regional Program of Studies 50