Classical Performance - Guitar, MM

Offered in: Chicago

The objective of the Master of Music in Classical Guitar is to provide advanced training for guitarists preparing for multifaceted professional careers. In addition to developing comprehensive musicianship, analytical ability, and stylistic awareness, the program emphasizes performance, pedagogy, and artistic development.

The program’s goals are to:

Refine technical and musical abilities through the study and performance of challenging works from both traditional and contemporary repertoire.
Provide sustained opportunities for solo and ensemble performance.
Develop effective teaching principles and methods, with emphasis on critical listening, problem-solving, verbal communication, psychological awareness, and clarity of instruction.
Cultivate the ability to transcribe repertoire from other instruments for the classical guitar.

Applied study at the graduate level culminates in a technically and artistically demanding recital that reflects both stylistic breadth and interpretive maturity. Graduate repertoire is selected at the discretion of the applied instructor. Jury and recital requirements are listed on the Requirements tab within the academic catalog.

Admission requirements

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

program 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

CCPA Graduate Degrees and Diplomas

The grades of A, A-, B+, B, and B- are the only grades that satisfy requirements for the master's degree or diploma in a student's major course sequence. Students who receive less than a B- in any component of the applied major study (lessons, jury, or recital) must repeat the entire course.

Up to two grades of C+ or C in courses outside the major, for a maximum of six credit hours, are acceptable for program requirements. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) across all courses applied toward the degree or diploma.

Roosevelt University Graduate Degrees

No more than two grades lower than B- may be applied to master’s degrees. The grades of D+, D, D-, or F cannot be counted toward any graduate degree program. Additionally, graduate courses that are a part of a degree program may not be eligible for Pass/Fail grading.

Course Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Major Course Sequence
ENS 409	CLASSICAL GUITAR ENSEMBLE (four semesters; 1 credit per semester) ¹	4
GUIT 411	GUITAR (MM) (four semesters; 2 credits per semester)	8
MAS 401	TEXT AND ACT: INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE MUSIC STUDIES	3
PERF 380	STRING PERFORMANCE CLASS (four semesters; 1 credit per semester)	4
PERF 434	COMPREHENSIVE GUITAR TECHNIQUE	2
PERF 428	GRADUATE RECITAL (Taken concurrently with semester 4 of GUIT 411)	1
PERF 441	ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE	1
Music Academic Electives (Three 3-credit courses)		9
Two 400-level MAS courses
One 400-level course in MAS, MCMP, MTA, or MUHL
Total Credit Hours		32

¹: Ensemble participation is a defining element of conservatory training and reflects the collaborative practices of professional musicians. Students in the Interdisciplinary Conservatory are expected to participate each semester in any ensembles to which they are assigned by the relevant instructor-of-record, in consultation with the Program Director and Academic Advisor. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Ensemble 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 outlines a suggested pathway through the required coursework for the program. Students are responsible for understanding all curricular requirements and course schedules. While alternative pathways may be possible, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor when planning any variation in order to ensure a degree plan that meets program requirements and aligns with their individual goals.

Year 1
Fall	Credit Hours	Spring	Credit Hours
ENS 409	1	ENS 409	1
GUIT 411	2	GUIT 411	2
MAS 401	3	PERF 380	1
PERF 380	1	PERF 434	1
PERF 434	1	Music Academic Elective¹	3
	8		8
Year 2
Fall	Credit Hours	Spring	Credit Hours
ENS 409	1	ENS 409	1
GUIT 411	2	GUIT 411	2
PERF 380	1	PERF 380	1
PERF 441	1	PERF 428	1
Music Academic Elective¹	3	Music Academic Elective¹	3
	8		8
Total Credit Hours 32

¹: 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.

2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog