Guitar Foundation
Technique | Theory | Style Versatility | Musical Expression
- 1 Year / Onsite/ Online
- Intakes: Jan, Apr, Jun, Oct
Overview
The 1-Year Diploma in Guitar Foundation is a structured and intensive program designed for beginner to intermediate guitarists who want to build strong technical skills and a deep understanding of music. This course covers acoustic and electric guitar techniques, music theory, chord progressions, rhythm patterns, and performance skills rooted in both classical and contemporary music styles.
Students will learn to read sheet music, tablature, and chord charts while developing right and left-hand coordination, fingerstyle, and strumming techniques. The course also explores scale patterns, improvisation, and basic songwriting. Emphasis is placed on developing timing, musical expression, and the ability to play in solo and group settings.
By the end of the course, students will be able to perform confidently, understand musical structures, and apply their skills across a variety of genres including pop, rock, classical, and blues.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Guitar Foundation Diploma can explore multiple entry-level roles in the music industry, such as:
- Freelance Guitarist (Studio or Live)
- Guitar Instructor (Beginner to Intermediate Level)
- Band Guitarist (Pop/Rock/Folk genres)
- Composer/Songwriter for simple melodies and progressions
- Music Arranger (Small Ensembles or Solo Work)
- Session Musician for Recording Projects
- Music Theory or Tablature Coach
- Music Content Creator (YouTube, Social Media, etc.)
Program Learning Outcomes
Build a solid foundation in guitar technique, theory, and performance
Learn to play and understand a wide variety of styles including pop, rock, and fingerstyle
Gain confidence in both solo and ensemble performance
Read tablature, chord charts, and basic sheet music
Develop improvisation skills and song-playing ability
Modules
| Module | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Guitar & Posture | Guitar anatomy, tuning, posture, holding the pick, hand positioning |
| Music Theory Fundamentals | Notes on the fretboard, intervals, scales, time signatures, key signatures, chord theory |
| Open Chords & Basic Strumming | Major and minor open chords, rhythm exercises, strumming patterns, chord transitions |
| Reading Notation & Tablature | Reading standard notation and guitar tabs, rhythmic notation, basic melodies |
| Finger Exercises & Coordination | Chromatic exercises, alternate picking, finger independence, right-left hand coordination |
| Barre Chords & Power Chords | Movable shapes, major/minor barre chords, power chords, root identification |
| Scales & Improvisation | Pentatonic, major, and minor scales, improvising solos, scale applications in different styles |
| Rhythm Guitar Techniques | Groove building, syncopation, palm muting, chord embellishments, genre-based rhythm playing |
| Introduction to Fingerstyle Playing | Basic fingerpicking patterns, arpeggios, thumb-independence, classical-style melodies |
| Contemporary Song Application | Applying chords and rhythm to popular songs, playing with vocalists, song analysis |
| Ensemble Practice & Performance | Playing in a group, timing, dynamics, stage presence, jam sessions |
| Final Performance & Evaluation | Preparing a solo and group performance, live assessment, feedback sessions |
How to Apply?
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.
- You Get Ready
Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to create your schedule.