Offered in: Chicago

It is the objective of the Master of Music in Classical Guitar to provide the necessary training to thrive as a multifaceted professional classical guitarist. In addition to developing comprehensive musicianship skills, analytic abilities, and stylistic knowledge, the student will:

• Refine all technical and musical abilities through the study and performance of challenging works from traditional and modern repertories;
• Experience ongoing solo and ensemble performing opportunities;
• Develop principles and methods for teaching, with an emphasis on critical listening, problem-solving, verbal articulation, psychological insights, communication, inspiration, and clarity;
• Hone the skills to effectively transcribe repertoire from other instruments.

Applied study at the graduate level builds toward a technically and artistically demanding (as well as stylistically balanced) final recital. All graduate repertoire is selected at the teacher's discretion, and jury and recital parameters are listed on the Requirements tab within the academic catalogue.

Admission requirements

Please consult the CCPA Admission and Audition Information web page for the Classical Guitar audition requirements.

Grade Requirements

• Applied Lessons: B- is the minimum passing grade for GUIT 411 GUITAR (MM).
• Recital: B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 428 GRADUATE RECITAL.

GPA Requirements

A student must earn a GPA of at least 3.0 in all major subject area coursework.

Course Requirements

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Enrollment in ensembles is contingent upon placement and assignment. All students in the Music Conservatory are required to participate in all ensembles to which they are assigned by the Program Director of Ensembles and Ensemble Coordinators, and in consultation with the Academic Advisors. Students who are assigned or receive permission to enroll as zero-credit participants in any ensemble will receive a grade; they must complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Assignments are made at the beginning of each semester following placement and seating auditions.

Recital Repertoire

PERF 428 GRADUATE RECITAL
60 minutes of music is required, and the repertoire will be determined by with the applied instructor, who will also grade the recital. All solo repertoire must be performed from memory.

Jury Repertoire

Repertoire and technical studies to be presented at juries will be determined by the applied instructor. All solo repertoire must be performed from memory.

This degree map charts a suggested pathway through all of your required courses. It is incumbent upon all students to fully comprehend curricular requirements and course schedules, and while it is feasible to chart an alternate pathway, it is highly recommended that you do so in close consultation with your academic advisor so as to determine a degree path appropriately tailored to your needs.

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Music academic electives will include a minimum of two MAS (Music Academic Studies) courses. One other 400-level course in subject area MCMP (Music Composition), MTA (Music Theory and Analysis), or MUHL (Music History and Literature) may be used in fulfillment of this requirement.