The student and instructor together determine week to week goals. Students with a strong interest in a particular style of music will be accommodated. A research project will be tailored to meet the interests of the student within the context of the class goals. Depending on student's level and interests, instructor may suggest a particular book, which will be determined in the first couple of class sessions. Textbooks and Songbooks will be recommended per individual student.
Weekly progress made by the student is evaluated.
A midterm research project is required, the theme to be discussed and decided upon with the instructor in the first couple of class sessions. A juried final performance before musical faculty members, will be the final exam. Generally, at least two pieces are selected from the student's repertoire for the final juried performance. Students are critiqued on presentation, tone, timing, technical ability and execution. An ever-evolving process, a passing down of songs between geographical regions and from generation to generation, categorized by Alan Lomax in the late 1950's.