<p>Hey guys, </p>
<p>So im looking at the MPGU classes. Im not a music major and im a beginnering acoustic guitar player. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on which classes to take? I was wondering how classes are like too. Do we just sit around and play guitar or do we have to buy books and read about them? Im really really curious about these classes and if they can help me improve my guitar skills. Thanks!</p>
<p>You should consider the private instruction course. There is an extra fee, though.</p>
<p>My son- a business major- had tinkered with the guitar for years and wanted to take Beginning Pop/Rock Guitar. He had no previous knowledge of music theory or lessons of any kind. The only class that fit in his schedule was MPGU-120D which was not the beginning class. He spoke with the instructor before the class and set up private instruction with him- I think they met once or twice a week throughout the semester at an extra charge. </p>
<p>He practiced very hard that semester and loved it. I am amazed at his skill level from just that one class. Just be sure you are prepared for lots of practice- good luck and Fight On!</p>
<p>Thanks for the input! Im looking at Beginning Pop/Rock Guitar, i thought it was for electric guitar players at first but now i think its acoustic. Not too sure whats the difference between 120A, D, and all the other lettters… they didnt exactly do a good job specificying.</p>
<p>The A through D designation refers to the first, second, third and fourth time you take the course. In general you would take the A section first, as it would be the most basic of the beginning-level series, but as cc411 points out, there is flexibility.</p>
<p>The individual instruction for non-majors is great (300x). My daughter enjoyed them and learned a lot. There is an additional $350 charge for the 1-unit course (1/2 hour lessons 1X/week) and $750 for the 2-unit (1 hour lessons 1X/week). You can take both the group class and individual instruction the same semester, or start with the group and move on to individual instruction… lots of possibilities.</p>
<p>Have fun!</p>
<p>I would take the group classes if you’re a beginner. </p>
<p>I took private piano and bass lessons and it was my impression that the private lessons were for people with a more solid background in their instrument who were majoring in something other than performance – but I could be wrong. I just remember being drilled by the prospective teachers before enrolling about my knowledge in music theory and how long I had been playing. (15+ years)</p>
<p>I took the beginning group harp class for 3 semesters and I loved it! Again, not sure about guitar (and maybe someone can weigh in) but harp was an hour or so of a class where we learned theory and technique – which was more for the real beginners; the other hour was a private lesson with one of the TAs, who were all DM candidates in Harp through Thornton. I thought the group setting was a great way to learn a completely brand-new instrument and had a really positive experience in the class.</p>
<p>Since you already pay for up to 18 units with full-time tuition, I would recommend starting in the group classes. I do remember there’s a beginner’s guitar class focused on the Beatles, too; you should look for that as I heard good things about it.</p>
<p>If you do the group class for two or three semesters and keep up with it, I think private lessons would be a good investment. I just think, speaking as someone with a long history of music lessons and experience, that you should figure out if you’re ready for the commitment, have the skill and the dedication to learn an instrument before you start the private lessons. I know way too many people who, although they were really interested in learning an instrument, just didn’t have the chops for music. It’s something – like any skill or hobby – that isn’t cut out for everyone. </p>
<p>(Keep in mind, too, that the private lessons require performing in front of a jury for a grade at the end of the semester…)</p>
<p>While I agree that starting with the group classes is a good way to start, the individual instruction (300x) is appropriate for all levels. My kiddo has taken individual instruction in three different instruments - one where she was very advanced, one where she had some experience, and one where she was an absolute-day-one beginner. She learned a lot in all and had good experiences with all the instructors.</p>
<p>Yes, there is a jury performance at the end, but it is a very kind jury that always has something encouraging to say.</p>
<p>*And everyone in Thornton is so welcoming and encouraging - for non-majors trying out music courses they have no concern at all with whether or not you have “chops.”</p>
<p>Definitely appreciate the input. I’m sure it will take a lot of time and commitment, but im willing to put in the effort. I’m sure theres good feedback on the individual instructions but im a bit skeptical how much you can possibly learn from someone who only teaches you 1/2 hour per week. That’s a REALLY short amount of time to teach someone…</p>
<p>I hope they give people a measure of what A-D means. I know that people in D generally have more experience at A… but im not an absolute beginner. I know some chords, i play a few songs, etc. Not sure if A is right for me…</p>
<p>alamemom: They must have changed the requirements, then. I only took individual instruction my first year and that was a while ago – so totally possible!</p>
<p>Gameaholic: If you look in the USC course catelouge, you will see you may be required to start right from “A”; level B has this listed as a prerequisite: 1 from (MPGU-120A or MUPF-120A)</p>
<p>In my experience for more “skill-based” classes, prerequisites may be waived with permission of the instructor. Unfortunately, the individual class descriptions of the levels don’t state which skills are covered in which subset of MPGU 120. You may want to get in touch with someone at Thorton to ask about a waiver.</p>
<p>However, you can probably save yourself the trouble by thinking logistically about your skills as a guitarist. You know some chords – but even I learned about 5 chords on my first day of playing guitar and most songs only use 3 different chords in the first place! But, if you know complex chords outside the realm of A - C - F - G - E - D (maj and min) or can do various voicing of the chords I just mentioned OR know some fingerstyle, I think you’d be safe to try and petition to get into a higher level.</p>
<p>There’s always the option of enrolling in level A and going to the first two or three sessions to see if it’s at your level or not. If you find it’s too easy, you can easily switch into the B section since there’s a large window for adding and dropping classes. I’m going to bet the first class or two will cover SOME things you know, but you may end up learning a lot in level A (different strumming methods, some theory, etc.)</p>
<p>You can do electric or acoustic in private lessons. And Alamemom, all music classes have a D at the end of the section number because they require departmental approval. So the “D” could be that D as well?</p>
<p>Gameaholice, most guitar players BEGIN learning guitar in once a week private lessons, preferably an hour. (That’s how my son began 7 or so years ago, and he’s now a guitarist at Thornton.) It’s the practicing in between the lessons that counts!</p>
<p>And while no longer a beginner, S’s private lessons are by far his favorite classes. If it were up to him, he’d do nothing but.</p>
<p>If you call one of the advisors at Thornton, they will help guide you as to what course will suit your needs best. I would do an hour-long lesson if you can afford it, but they may guide you otherwise.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>The letters actually correlate to semesters of taking the class:
MPGU 120a
MPGU 120b
MPGU 120c
MPGU 120d</p>
<p>A lot of my music industry classes were offered in this format as well (MUIN 372a and MUIN 372b; MUIN 446a and MUIN 446b). I think it’s just a common thing at USC. </p>
<p>The D for D clearance will show up on the class’ section number (ex: 19150D)</p>
<p>I see. Never mind! (the A-D must just be for non music majors’ guitar instruction; my son’s individual instruction courses from this year don’t have that designation.)</p>
<p>The Beginning Guitar classes MPGU 120a, b, c and d don’t require the D clearance (that is a very confusing situation where they use a “D” designation for two different things - I never noticed that before). </p>
<p>The beginning guitar course has four levels all taught by the same instructor, Nick Stoubis, and you could email him, describe your skills, and ask his advice about which you should sign up for. Contact info here: [USC</a> Thornton School of Music : Faculty Profiles: Nick Stoubis](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/schools/music/private/faculty/stoubis.php]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/schools/music/private/faculty/stoubis.php)</p>
<p>You do have to drop by the office for *individual *instruction classes, but you might be able to do that at your freshman orientation session as well.</p>
<p>one of the options for the musical theatre minor is MPGU 125 and 126, so those classes are probably good for beginners. They’re both 2 units.</p>