Study

Students receive rigorous training that is designed to provide a basic set of techniques, allowing students to pursue the avenue of guitar playing that most interests them, be it classical, jazz, folk, or rock. While emphasis will be on developing skills in playing the guitar, a basic understanding of the principles of music theory as applied to the guitar will also be acquired.

Our teaching reflects an integrated philosophy of musicianship skills and methodology. It includes objectives in the psychomotor (singing and playing), cognitive (thinking/knowledge skills), and affective (attitudes/interests/appreciation/feelings) domains. Since it is essential that players develop musicianship skills transferable to any future musical endeavors, the musical repertoire that is examined and discussed is broad, extensive and up-to-date.

We provide musical training that connects the broad spectrum of historical and current practices; and, in promoting the relationship between theory and practice, prepares those who wish to be professionals to be leaders in the musical culture of the 21st century.

The emphases throughout the guitar curriculum are connections, immersion in a wide range of musical repertoire, independent skills, sequential development of skills, and seeing the guitar as part of a great historical tradition.

We believe that an exposure to the many possibilities of musical expression available on the guitar and an understanding of music theory will help to broaden a student's perspective and make future musical experiences more rewarding.

For more information see: Guitar at Carnegie Mellon University