Core Foundations in Rock
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of ensemble performance within the rock tradition—from early rock n'roll and classic British rock to contemporary pop-rock and fusion. Students will develop stylistic awareness through guided listening, analysis, and collaborative performance. Emphasis will be placed on groove consistency, rhythmic precision, articulation, and dynamic controlwithin a band setting. Topics will include power-chord harmony, riff-based form, call-and-response phrasing, and rhythmic layering between rhythm section and melody instruments. The course prioritizes ensemble balance, communication, and responsiveness rather than virtuosity, culminating in an in-class performance of representative repertoire across eras of rock.