Project Based Learning Electives provided by the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy​​​
Dave Carlock's FRS Program             Fall 2019

Contact: Dave Carlock.
Phone: 310.480.4565; Email: customerservice@funkinrockschool.com; Web: funkinrockschool.com
Benton Harbor

Additional registration at location is required.


In its 9th year in Berrien County, Grammy® winner Dave Carlock's FRS Program is now participating with the
Partnership for both beginning or experienced students of all ages! One of the most popular aspects of this program
is the ability for students to learn songs "straight from their playlist”. Whether it’s songs from the Billboard Hot 100
chart, the Pitchfork charts, Christian music, Classic Rock or Pop, or something completely obscure – if a student
loves it, the FRS will teach it! Even video game themes!

Under certain circumstances, lessons may be given via FaceTime for Apple users (iPhones, iPads, or computers)
and via What's App for non-Apple phones, tablets, or computers. Students should have high speed internet
connection and a usable phone, tablet, or computer.

Options for Ages K-5th (1 credit requirement)
Though elementary-level Parent Partnership students are only eligible for (1) music credit under current guidelines,
young students can still begin learning musical instruments through the FRS by taking Independent Music
Lessons (9wks/2x per wk) for a single 9wk quarter, with *no compromise in its program*!
 
Options for Ages 6th-12th (2 credit requirement)
Middle School and High School students participate in the FRS by registering in a given semester’s first quarter
for Independent Music Lessons (9wks/2x per wk). In a given semester’s second quarter, students can choose
between one of the FRS’ group classes: FRS Bandmates, FRS Groove Foundations, or FRS Popular Music
History: The Billboard Years.

REGISTRATION TIPS for FRS curriculum on the BSPP website

K – 5 th graders:

To register your student’s class, please select:
CATEGORY – Music
CLASS – Independent Music Lesson: “your study focus” or “Other Instrument”
(If prompted to enter your teacher’s name, please enter Dave Carlock’s FRS Program)

6 th – 12 th graders:

FRS curriculum requires 6 th - 12 th graders to enter (1) independent class and (1) group class for a total of (2) credits.
Please note that the registration site will only allow you to register the FRS class “type” – Independent or Group –
instead of listing specific FRS class titles. After registration, the FRS assigns students to their exact class.

1) To register your student’s “Independent” class, please select:
CATEGORY – Music
CLASS – Independent Music Lesson: “your study focus”, or “Other Instrument”
(If prompted to enter your teacher’s name, please enter Dave Carlock’s FRS Program)

2) To register your student’s “Group” class, please select:
CATEGORY – Group Music
CLASS – Dave Carlock’s FRS Program: FRS Group Music Studies


INDEPENDENT MUSIC LESSONS OFFERED BY THE FRS – as of Fall 2019

FRS INDEPENDENT MUSIC LESSONS (9 wks/2x per week–offered 1st quarter)

Synopsis: Independent Music Lessons with the FRS are not only custom-tailored to each student’s likes and
dislikes, they also begin preparing students to eventually play with other musicians by teaching foundational musical
knowledge, such as music reading skills. Length: 30 mins.
 
Age requirements: Kindergarten +

• IML: Voice
The FRS focuses on popular music styles heard on the radio over the last 60 years. During his time in Los
Angeles, Mr. Carlock trained American Idol and America's Got Talent contestants and focuses on "natural-
sound voice training", as opposed to opera or classical training.

• IML: Piano
The FRS focuses on popular music styles heard on the radio over the last 60 years as opposed to a strict
classical training, offering both piano and keyboard lessons, which can utilize various classic electronic
keyboards and synthesizers.

• IML: Guitar
The FRS focuses on popular music styles heard on the radio over the last 60 years as opposed to classical
guitar training. Lessons are taught on either acoustic or electric guitar and focus on rhythm playing,
fingerpicking, soloing techniques, and more.

• IML: Bass Guitar
The FRS focuses on popular music styles heard on the radio over the last 60 years. Lessons are taught on
electric bass as opposed to standup bass.

• IML: Drums
The FRS focuses on popular music styles heard on the radio over the last 60 years.

• IML: Ukelele
The FRS focuses on popular music styles heard on the radio over the last 60 years.

• IML: Banjo
The FRS focuses on popular music styles heard on the radio over the last 60 years.

• IML: Other Instruments / Music Business Related
The FRS is pleased to offer Music Theory, Music Business Mentoring, Songwriting, and Recording
Engineering 101*
 
*NOTE: "Recording Engineering" courses are uniquely a 2-hour session length, so the Parent
Partnership does not cover the course's full cost. Any remaining course fees must be paid by the student.
Please inquire with the FRS for more info.

IML Required materials:
For Vocal students: High speed internet access and a phone tripod ($10) to assist video lessons, an online video
vocal training package ($100), and a 3-ring binder ($6).
 
For Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukelele, & Banjo students: High speed internet access and a phone tripod ($10) to assist
video lessons, a high-quality clip-on tuner ($25), a capo ($20), a metronome ($20), a 3-ring binder ($6), and an
instrument to practice on.
 
For Piano/Keyboard students: High speed internet access and a phone tripod ($10) to assist video lessons, a
metronome ($20), a 3-ring binder ($6), and an instrument to practice on.
 
For Drum students: High speed internet access and a phone tripod ($10) to assist video lessons, a metronome
($20), a 3-ring binder ($6), and a drum set to practice on.
 
For Other Instruments / Music Business Related classes: 3-ring binder ($6).


GROUP MUSIC CLASSES OFFERED BY THE FRS – as of Fall 2019

                               FRS Groove Foundations (7 wks/2x per week– offered 2nd quarter of each semester)

Synopsis: FRS Groove Foundations is a small-group class designed to help students develop a stronger sense of
internal rhythm, promoting a foundation of groove and tempo to improve their singing and playing. Beats and rhythms
common in popular music are studied to connect students more completely with the music they listen to and enjoy.
Length: 75 mins.

Age requirements: 6th grade +

Registration requirements: Students are also required to register for Independent Music Lessons: “your study
focus” or “Other Instrument”.*

*The registration selection “Other Instrument” is also used when registering non-instrument-related instruction such as:
IML: Popular Music Appreciation; Independent Study, IML: Songwriting, IML: Music Theory, IML: Music Technology
​
Required materials: 3-ring binder.

                               FRS Bandmates (7 wks/2x per week–offered 2nd quarter of each semester)

Synopsis: Students help each other play the songs they learned individually during their Independent Music
Lessons and gain valuable small group rehearsal experience while learning what it means to be accountability to
their bandmates. Taken in succession, both classes build and reinforce foundational musical knowledge, such as
music reading skills, while creating opportunities for new friendships with their bandmates! Length: 75 mins.
 
Age requirements: 6th grade +
 
Registration requirements: Students are also required to register for this class’s 1st quarter
companion, Independent Music Lessons: “your study focus”, or “Other Instrument”.*

*The registration selection “Other Instrument” is also used when registering non-instrument-related instruction such as:
IML: Popular Music Appreciation; Independent Study, IML: Songwriting, IML: Music Theory,  IML: Music Technology

Required materials: (see IML required materials)

                                FRS Popular Music History: The Billboard Years (Full semester: 14 wks/1x per week)

Synopsis: With Grammy® winner Dave Carlock as their guide, students will take a fun, comprehensive journey
through the last 64 years of popular music history through the perspective of the Billboard Music Chart, founded in
1955, which is unique in its documentation of “crossover” hits from all genres such as Rock, Adult Contemporary,
R&B, Hip/Hop, Country. Students will investigate the origins and influence of the hit music their parents and
grandparents listened to, and learn how it all influenced today’s top hits. Length: 75 mins.

Age requirements: 6th grade +

Registration requirements: Students are also required to register for Independent Music Lessons: “your study
focus” or “Other Instrument”.*

*The registration selection “Other Instrument” is also used when registering non-instrument-related instruction such as:
IML: Popular Music Appreciation, Independent Study, IML: Songwriting, IML: Music Theory,  IML: Music Technology

Required materials: Excerpts from "The Billboard Book of Number One Hits” by Fred Bronson (material cost TBD), a
3-ring binder ($6), and internet access to YouTube for home listening.
​


*Please note: it is important to make as informed a decision as possible when choosing your student's Community Resource classes. Most locations will allow a student to drop a class after one meeting, at no charge if it wasn't a good fit for the student, but not all. Some classes plan ahead based on the number that have signed up and have purchased materials, hired teachers, etc. and there might be a fee for class time or materials given to the student if the student drops after one or two meetings. The school cannot pay for classes that students do not complete, so choose wisely; if you do not take the class off of your student's schedule by the deadline, you may be asked to pay for the class time incurred prior to dropping the class.
 
Teacher qualifications available by request, email hspdocuments@shamrocks.us  .
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Syllabus
​Teacher of Record: Mandy Jankoviak