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GUITAR STUDIES AT VSU:

The VSU Department of Music offers qualified guitarists three undergraduate degree programs:

1) Bachelor of Music with a major in 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. A jazz performance degree with an emphasis on fretboard theory, reading, ensemble playing, improvisation, jazz history, and repertoire. Performance requirement: 60 minute Senior Recital, 1/2 of which must be solo guitar. Note: Jazz studies majors must pass a minimum classical proficiency in their upper division jury (see below). .

2) Bachelor of Music with a major in Music Education:

Entails a 132-hour degree program designed to enable students to develop the range of knowledge, skills and competencies expected of those holding a professional baccalaureate dgree in music education. It leads to the Bachelor of Music with a major in music education degree and NT-4 Certification for grades p-12. 3) Bachelor of Arts with a major in music: The BA in Music degree allows the students the flexibility of designing a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum what may lead to graduate school or develop into entrepreneurial careers in music. Master of Arts in Music Degree available to guitarists with an emphasis in: performance and music education.

Suggested repertoire (note: these are suggestions, not strict guidelines)

Undergraduate-
Classical Guitar auditions:
  • Studies and/or pieces by Sor, Carcassi, Carulli, Giuliani, Aguado, Brouwer, and Sagreras.
  • Pavans by Milan
  • Dances by Sanz, DeVisee', Bach, etc...
  • Preludes by Ponce, Villa-Lobos
  • Major and minor scales (two-to-four octave)
Jazz auditions:
  • Two jazz standard tunes in contrasting styles ( ballad, medium swing, or bossa)
  • The student should be prepared to play the head, comp, and improvise over the changes.
  • Major and minor scales
  • Sight-reading
Graduate- Classical Guitar
  • Two movements of a Bach Suite
  • A set of variations, sonata, or advanced etudes by Sor, Giuliani, or other classical composer
  • A work of Barrios, Turina, Torroba, Tanzman, Ponce, Rodrigo, Tedesco, or other 20th century composer
Ensembles:
  • Classical Guitar Ensemble
  • Jazz Combo
  • Jazz Band (large ensemble)