Central Methodist University Department of Music
MLSB100, Applied String Bass
1 credit
Fall 2020
Meeting Time and Location by Arrangement
Dr. David Witter
Classic Hall 202-C
660-651-9964, dwitter@centralmethodist.edu, office hours by appointment
Mission
Central Methodist University prepares students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.
Description
The course consists of instruction in a wide variety of bass guitar and upright bass playing techniques and approaches, from a large spectrum of genres and styles. Throughout the semester the students will be adjudicated on their ability level and desired musical focus, such that improvement can be measured on both a general musical rubric as well as a personally beneficial level. The focus will be on learning music theory and orthodox musical fundamentals, as well as a personalized approach to bass guitar playing determined by the student.
DESE-Specific Subject Competencies
MoSPE Competencies
• Demonstrates content knowledge and ability to use multiple subject specific methodologies for specific instructional purposes to engage students (1C2)
• Understands how to select appropriate strategies for addressing individual student needs in meeting curriculum objectives (3C2)
• Demonstrates knowledge of current instructional resources to support complex thinking and technological skills (4C2)
Program Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will develop knowledge and instrumental proficiencies in the following areas of musical performance (solo, accompaniment, and/or ensemble settings) at an intermediate to professional level:
—Sound: tone quality, intonation, range
—Technique: ability in performance, accuracy, facility
—Rhythm: pulse, appropriate tempo, subdivision
—Musicianship and theory: interpretation, phrasing, style, dynamics, communication of text, scale/chord/arpeggio knowledge
Course Student Learning Outcome (beyond program):
Students will develop and demonstrate familiarity with standard historic and contemporary repertoire associated with their respective instrument/voice.
Activities
Notated examples from many genres will be encountered during lessons, as well as personal demonstrations from the instructor on how to achieve nuanced elements; this will be utilized to assess how the student is keeping up with assigned lessons in fundamentals. Listening assignments and focused listening sessions during lessons will translate into assignments on achieving facility in different types of bass playing styles, in addition to focus on studies with scales and patterns.
Final Exam
In lieu of a final examination there will be a final recital or performance during which the student(s) will be expected to present a polished performance of a solo or ensemble piece that will have been focused on throughout the semester’s work.
Facemask Policy
Wearing a face mask is about protecting others, our Central Methodist Community and the communities we work in. The primary purpose of wearing a face mask is to reduce the probability of virus spreading from the wearer (who may not know they are spreading the virus) into the environment and to others. The secondary purpose of the face covering is to reduce the likelihood that large droplets containing virus that are spread by others may enter the nose and mouth of the wearer. The use of a face mask does not replace the continued need to maintain physical distances from others, at least 6 feet, but instead augments physical distancing and helps us further reduce the likelihood of virus transmission.
A face mask is a cloth, bandana, or other type of material that covers an individual’s mouth and nose. The CDC lists five criteria for “cloth face coverings,” which should:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops
- Include multiple layers of fabric
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- Be able to be cleaned or laundered and machine-dried without damage or change to shape.
The complete CMU Face Mask Policy is available at:
https://www.centralmethodist.edu/about/offices/human-resources/_docs/FaceCoveringPolicy.pdf
Absence Policy
Attendance may not be tied to grades in any way in Fall 2020. If there are extenuating circumstances that require your absence, please contact me and your band leader within 24 hours of any rehearsal or performance you are expected to be at. Please keep in mind that both that your bandmates are depending on you, but that we also all expect that you pay attention to your own health and your role in keeping your neighbors healthy as well.
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, dry cough, unusual tiredness, gastro-intestinal distress, change in sense of smell or taste. If you are experiencing symptoms, please attend class on Zoom. For a more thorough list of symptoms visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.
Class Cancellation
In the event of a Church or rehearsal cancellation, I will notify you via email within 24 hours of the event.
Non-discrimination Policy
Central Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual preference, religion, sex, national origin, age, or federally defined disability. This includes but is not limited to recruitment and admission of students, educational programs, services, activities, financial aid, and scholarship programs. The University complies with all federal and state non-discrimination requirements.
The procedures, described in the university’s catalog, are intended to guide and assist faculty, staff, and students in complying with this policy and in determining reasonable accommodations to be made for the federally defined disability claimed. All materials and information regarding disabilities will be governed by the University’s normal policies regarding privacy.
Students Requiring Special Accommodations
Central Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual preference, religion, sex, national origin, age, or federally defined disability/state defined handicap ("disability"). This includes but is not limited to recruitment and admission of students, educational programs, services, activities, financial aid, and scholarship programs. The University complies with all federal and state non-discrimination requirements. The Center for Learning & Teaching at Central Methodist University is committed to ensuring nondiscrimination and equal access to all programs, service, and activities for qualified students with a disability. It is the responsibility of any student who wishes to claim a disability and seek an accommodation to file official documentation confirming the disability and a completed Disability Services Student Information Form with the Center of Learning and Teaching prior to seeking any accommodation based on the disability.
Grievance Policy
Central Methodist University has established a grievance policy and process designed to provide students and others with a process to resolve potential issues. This policy and process is established to provide persons with an avenue to file a written concern and to establish a process to track and implement changes as a result of said concern. For more detailed information, consult the CLAS catalog at: https://clas-catalog.centralmethodist.edu/info/University%20Policies.html#info13-grievance
If an issue cannot be solved through consultation with the faculty or division chair, students can report an incident/issue within 30 days of the event via the online web form https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?CentralMethodistUniv&layout_id=3
Health and Safety for Musicians
Musicians face a number of health and safety issues, particularly in applied lessons and ensembles. Hearing concerns, vocal health, and muscle injuries are a concern for faculty and students. Awareness and education are key to preventing harmful habits or injuries.
In addition to the information shared with you in lessons and rehearsals, there is material available to you regarding best practices for maintaining hearing, vocal, and muscular health. Helpful information is posted on the Fine Arts section of the CMU webpage.
http://www.centralmethodist.edu/student-life/services-and-resources/music-resources.php
Academic Conduct Policy
Your projects must represent your work and your ideas. Ideas incorporated into your work that are not your own must be properly documented.
Students are expected to follow the CMU Academic Conduct Policy as outlined on the CMU website. Any evidence of academic misconduct may have any or all of the following consequences:
- Grade of zero on the individual assignment.
- Grade of F in the class.
- Dismissal from the class.
- A notation of academic misconduct on your transcript.
The Dean of the University may take additional action, including probation, suspension, or expulsion from the college.
Academic Property
All work (original or copy) submitted by the student to satisfy the requirements of the course may be retained at the discretion of the instructor for non-profit and educational purposes. Such work is generally used for assessing the course and providing evidence of student accomplishment for review by accrediting agencies. Any student wishing to prohibit such use of their work may do so by notifying the instructor in writing.
Grade Weight
Assignments/Participation 20%
Quizzes 40%
Final 40%
Course Grades
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79%= C
60-69% = D
0-59% = F