Guitar
The Guitar Department prepares students to achieve technical proficiency on their instruments while becoming independent learners.
Through the application of a sequential curriculum, students learn to express themselves musically and acquire the skills to successfully participate in ensemble playing. Students enroll in both a weekly private lesson and a weekly ensemble, either Suzuki Group Class or Guitar Orchestra. Students as young as five may begin guitar study.
Individual Instruction
Individual lessons are available in 30, 45 or 60 minutes lengths, depending on student need and teacher recommendation.
Lessons begin September 2nd for Fall Quarter.
Guitar Ensembles
The ensemble program supplements individual lessons. All students are required to enroll in a minimum of two years of guitar ensemble (Suzuki group classes or orchestra). Classes cover activities in reading, solo performance and ensemble playing. Classes meet once per week and are divided into various skill levels. Students are placed in ensembles by their teacher or through audition. All students in the program must enroll for the entire school year while also studying guitar privately. Ensembles perform on recitals three times per year.
Suzuki Group Classes
Students play together once a week, reinforcing tone development, technique and repertoire that has been learned in their private lesson. Additionally, students develop rhythmic and musicianship skills.
Guitar Orchestra I
Reading skills will be emphasized in this course. Students will be introduced to part playing and learn the basics about playing in an ensemble in an ambiance that incorporates creative group improvisation.
Guitar Orchestra II
Students entering this course must be at Suzuki Book 3 level or have completed Guitar Orchestra I. Advanced reading skills are developed in this course as well as advanced part playing. Students will learn how to follow a conductor while rehearsing and performing standard guitar orchestra repertoire.
Guitar Orchestra for Adults
This is a performance oreineted ensemble for adult amateurs. The ensemble studies and performs original and arranged works for guitar orchestra, with two to four instruments per part, and is led by a conductor. Admittance is by audition.
Juries
Towards the conclusion of each school year, all non-adult students enrolled in private instrumental study participate in a juried performance evaluation. This jury offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their progress over the past year, and to receive feedback from a faculty panel. Departmental juries take place over the course of one week, and are scheduled in lieu of a lesson.
Master Classes
Throughout the school year, the Guitar Department holds master classes with internationally-known educators and performers. Students must audition to perform in these classes.
Recitals
In addition to student recitals regularly hosted by the Conservatory throughout the school year, the Guitar Department holds quarterly departmental solo and ensemble recitals. Students are recommended for these performances by their individual instructors. All students are expected to perform during the school year.
Performance Track
Students seeking a more rigorous course of study may enroll in the Conservatory Performance Track. These students are required to perform at least three times during the school year, and are subject to a more rigorous year-end jury, involving sight-reading and self-taught repertoire.
Fees
Individual lessons with Suzuki group or Guitar Orchestra:
30 minute lessons $558
45 minute lessons $708
60 minute lessons $888
Adult Guitar Orchestra $288
