Offered in: Chicago

The objective of the Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar is to provide the training necessary for success as a professional classical guitarist. In addition to developing comprehensive musicianship, analytical ability, and stylistic awareness, students will:

• Become acquainted with guitar literature through the study, analysis, and performance of a representative cross-section of the standard repertoire from all stylistic periods;

• Develop technical facility in a systematic manner;

• Progressively develop collaborative and practical skills;

• Gain an introductory understanding of the principles and methods of teaching;

• Develop chamber music skills.

Music studies are supported by general education coursework, including the study of Spanish.

Admission requirements

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

Grade Requirements:

• Applied Lessons: C- is the minimum passing grade for GUIT 211 GUITAR (LOWER DIV). B- is the minimum passing grade for  GUIT 311 GUITAR (UPPER DIV).
• Recitals: B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL.
• Juries: B- is the minimum passing grade for PERF 261 JURY (LOWER DIV) and PERF 361 JURY (UPPER DIV).

GPA Requirements:

Students must earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in all major subject area coursework, and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 across all core, elective, and general education courses.

Residency Requirements:

The final 30 credit hours toward a student's degree must be completed at Roosevelt University, or a minimum of 60 hours must be taken in residence at Roosevelt University.

Course Requirements

Recital Repertoire

PERF 313 JUNIOR RECITAL
30 minutes of music is required, and students are required to share recitals with other juniors. One ensemble work may be included. All solo pieces must be performed from memory, and the program must include works representing at least three contrasting styles. The recital will be graded by the applied instructor. 

PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL
60 minutes of music is required, and one or more ensemble works may be included. All solo pieces must be performed from memory, and the program must include works representing at least three contrasting styles. The recital will be graded by the applied instructor.

Jury Repertoire

During each semester, the student will study several pieces from the guitar literature. At each jury, the student must perform two pieces in contrasting styles. All solo repertoire must be performed from memory.

Etudes and Technique Requirements

During each semester, the student will study 2-5 etudes chosen from (but not limited to) the following composers’ works: Sor, Carcassi, Brouwer, Villa-Lobos, Aguado, Coste, Tarega, Carulli, Ianirelli, Bogdanovich. All required etudes must be memorized. The specific requirements for technique and the choice of etudes are described below, parsed by level of study. Substitutions may be made at the teacher’s discretion.

Both the technique and the etudes will be played at a preliminary technique jury to be scheduled several weeks before the final examination week each semester. If a student does not pass this preliminary component, the student must repeat the material during the final jury. If the student does not pass the technique component at that final jury, the student’s final grade will be lowered by one letter.

GUIT 211
Arpeggios    Aguado, Etude in A Minor (No. 1 from 24 Etudes)
                        Carulli, Prelude No. 4 (from 24 Preludes)
Slurs              Segovia, slur studies (all patterns on all strings)
Scales           Segovia, Major and Minor Diatonic Scales
                        All sharp keys
                        Free and rest stroke
                        Right hand fingerings: im, ma, ia
                        Tempo: eighth note = 72-88
Etude            Sor, one study from Nos. 1-5 (Segovia Edition)

GUIT 212
Arpeggios    Choose either Carcassi, Study No. 2, or Brouwer, Study No. 6 (both r. h. fingerings)
Slurs              Pujol, La Escuela Razonada de la Guitarra, Vol. II (Either Exercise No. 94 or No. 96)
Scales           Segovia, Major and Minor Diatonic Scales
                        All flat keys
                        Free and rest stroke
                        Right hand fingerings: im, ma, ia
                        Tempo: eighth note = 88-100
Etude            Carcassi, Study No. 4
                        Sor, one study from Nos. 1-5 (Segovia Edition)

GUIT 213
Arpeggios    Choose either Carcassi, Study No. 19, or Aguado, Etude No. 2
Slurs              Suggested exercises: Shearer, Ornament and Reach Development Exercises; Pujol;
                         La Escuela Razonada de la Guitarra, Vol. III, Stretch and Ornament Studies
Scales           Segovia
                        Continue all r.h. fingerings from previous semesters with addition of P-I
                        Tempo: quarter note = 88-108
Etude            Sor, one study from Nos. 6-9 (Segovia Edition

GUIT 214
Tremolo        Carcassi, Study No. 7
Slurs              Sor, Study No. 11 (beginning to m. 15)
Scales           Segovia, Continue all r.h. fingerings as before
                        Tempo: quarter note = 100-116
Etude            Sor, one study from Nos. 6-9 (Segovia Edition)

GUIT 311
Arpeggios    Sor, Etude, No. 17
Scales           1) Scales with slurs
                        2) Scales in thirds: keys of C, G, D, A, E
Etude            Choose one: Carcassi, Etude No. 23; Sor, Etude No. 12; Sor, Etude No. 13

GUIT 312
Arpeggios    Villa-Lobos, Etude No. 1 (moderate tempo)
Scales           1) Scales with slurs
                        2) Scales in sixths: keys of C, G, D, A, E
Etude            Choose one: Carcassi, Etudes Nos. 20-25; Sor, Etudes Nos 10-20

GUIT 313
Arpeggios    Villa-Lobos, Etude No. 1 (tempo: quarter note = 100-120)
Scales           Scales in tenths and octaves: keys of C, G, D, A, E
Etude            Choose one: Carcassi, Etudes Nos. 20-25; Sor, Etudes Nos 10-20

This degree map outlines a suggested pathway through the required courses for the program. Students are responsible for understanding all curricular requirements and course schedules. While alternate pathways are possible, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor when planning their course of study to ensure that their degree plan meets program requirements and supports their individual goals.

A full-time undergraduate course load consists of 12–18 credits per semester.