Guitar courses introduce the theory and method of playing six-string guitar. The beginner's level of a guitar course teaches students how to hold a guitar, fingering exercises across the fret boards and exercises concerning basic major and minor scales. The guitar is a chromatic instrument, and scales are taught by using intervals. At the intermediate and advanced levels, chord structure and theory, various genres styles and modes are emphasized.
In most musical genres the bass guitar, which ranges from a four- to seven-string instrument, holds the "groove" of the music, which means it supplies the lower tones of the music register. At the beginner level of a bass guitar course, scales and intervals are examined, as well as playing the bass with a pick or through fingering. Intermediate courses highlight sight reading of music, various major, minor and pentatonic scales, which can be used for such genres as pop, blues, soul and rock music. Advanced bass guitar courses stress the dynamics and modes of playing for the instrument.
The voice is the most dynamic instrument in music, capable of tremendous range. Voice lessons concentrate on proper breathing techniques by using exercises that control the diaphragm and control of tones by singing various major and minor scales. Warm-up exercises, which condition the throat for singing, are emphasize at the beginner's level. At the intermediate and advance levels, exercises are geared to extend an individual's range to develop pitch.
Percussion courses are designed for individuals who have a desire to hold the "groove" or "beat." There are lessons for individuals who desire a background or knowledge in percussive theory. The beginning course in percussion teaches different beat patterns according to established time signatures, such as 4/4, 3/4 and 2/4. Holding the sticks for certain grooves or beat patterns is taught with an introduction to reading percussion sheet music. Intermediate and advanced courses in percussion may extend into playing other percussion instruments, such as timbales, congas, trap drum sets and world percussion instruments.