Private Instruction
Guitar Repertoire Class
Survey of Guitar History and Literature
Guitar Pedagogy Class
Jazz Guitar Lab
Ensembles:
Classical Guitar Ensemble
Mixed Chamber Ensemble
Jazz Combo
Jazz Band (large ensemble)
Commercial Music Ensemble
Bachelor of Music Degrees available for guitarists:
1) GUITAR PERFORMANCE
A classical performance degree for those who intend on being solo concert performers and/or college educators. This degree is suited for those who wish to continue on to graduate music study in guitar. Solo performance requirements: one 30 minute Junior Recital and one 60 minute Senior Recital
2) JAZZ STUDIES
A jazz performance degree with an emphasis on fretboard theory, reading, ensemble playing, improvisation, jazz history, and repertoire . Performance requirement: 60 minute Senior Recital, 1/3 of which must be solo guitar. Note: Jazz studies majors must pass a minimum classical proficiency in their upper division jury (see below).
3) MUSIC INDUSTRY
A degree which incorporates courses in both music, music business, and recording industry. Performance requirement: one 30 minute Senior Recital. Students can choose jazz or classical guitar as their primary instrument.
4) THEORY/COMPOSITION
A degree for composers. Senior recital will consist of a 60 minute program of original compositions.
5) MUSIC EDUCATION
A degree which will enable graduates to become certified to teach in public school systems. Performance requirement: 30 minute Senior Recital.
Guitar Instruction for Music Minors
Music minors must audition for placement. Beginning students who do not read music and/or have limited experience will generally be placed in Guitar Class I: MUSI 155. A classical guitar is required for this class. This class can be used to fulfill the private instruction requirement for a Music Minor (with the appropriate course substitution form). Music minors who can read music and can demonstrate sufficient ability will have the option of taking a 1 credit private instruction class (MUAP 241) in classical or jazz guitar. The last audition opportunity is on the first regularly scheduled day of classes each semester. There will be a signup sheet on the guitar office door (SFA 214). Students who have completed Guitar Class I may take Guitar Class II MUSI 156 or audition for private instruction.
MTSU Department of Music Undergraduate Studies Information
Master of Arts in Music Degree available with emphasis in:
Performance
Theory/composition
Music Education
MTSU Department of Music Graduate Studies Information
PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS:
The guitar is an extremely popular instrument in today's culture, arguably the most popular aside from the human voice. Due to the many different styles, genres, and levels of expertise of guitarists in today's society, it is important to provide students with the highest level of technical training in order to be competitive among guitarists today. It is impressed upon students that they should "aim high" and endeavor to develop performance skills which require the highest level of expertise and competence. This undoubtedly requires the ability to function as a solo performer with some fingerstyle classical technique. Classical guitar is NOT a style of music, it is a technique of playing the instrument. Guitarists are fortunate to have the largest historical repertoire of any instrument (excluding the human voice), 500 years. It is this solo literature that provides the greatest challenge, literature from the 1500's to the present day. All MTSU guitar students will be evaluated on their solo performing ability (this does not mean only "soloing with accompaniment") and all guitar students must have a classical guitar for private instruction. It is important to note that the development of classical technique is not exclusive to any style of music, it is generally essential in becoming the best solo performer one can be with the ability to perform a variety of styles of music. Solo guitar performance is central to guitar study at MTSU but not exclusive. Guitarists are also required and encouraged to participate in various ensembles (Guitar Ensemble, Mixed Chamber Ensemble, Commercial Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and Blues Crusade). MTSU offers opportunities for a variety of ensemble performance styles but does not offer a degree specifically in commercial music. Jazz Studies majors are required to have basic classical technique. For the first two years, Jazz Studies majors will study both classical and jazz in private instruction. After completing the upper-division jury, Jazz students will study Jazz guitar only and focus on refining skills in improvisation, theory, comping, and sight reading, while familiarizing themselves with standard jazz repertoire. The guitar program seeks students who have a capacity and interest to study repertoire which requires the highest level of technical and musical ability. Students who meet this challenge will be successful at MTSU and will have the option and the skills to continue their studies on the graduate level. It is a goal of the program to provide the necessary skills required to place guitar students in the best and most competitive Doctoral Degree programs in the nation. Further, it is expected that MTSU (guitar) graduates will embark upon successful careers in college teaching, concert performing, and in the music industry.