Gerald Klickstein, Joseph Pecoraro

The undergraduate guitar program includes a broad array of academic courses in addition to a rigorous professional education in music. The intensive music curriculum provides comprehensive training in performance, music literature, guitar pedagogy, business skills and music research. Graduation requirements include a minimum of one full solo recital plus two years of chamber music or guitar ensemble. Students are encouraged to develop a repertoire of individual interest and are assisted in developing a career plan. The diverse conservatory setting of NCSA provides numerous opportunities for candidates to explore innovative ideas in programming and performance. In addition, the guitar faculty and NCSA Touring Office assist candidates in booking off-campus performances, obtaining employment and preparing for competitions. NCSA graduates are consistently among the most successful guitarists in America, earning top prizes in a variety of guitar competitions, appearing on international concert stages, and serving as leading teachers in higher education and community schools.

Students study a wide range of material designed to develop artistic, technical, sight-reading, ensemble and performance abilities. Students receive one or two weekly private lessons plus a weekly two-hour guitar performance class that develops student confidence for performing in front of an audience. Ensemble courses include performance in guitar duo, trio or quartet plus diverse combinations with flute, voice, violin and other instruments. The one-year guitar pedagogy course covers topics dealing with teaching guitar and running a teaching business. The one-year guitar literature course enables candidates to study general literature topics and tailor their study to repertoire of particular appeal. The curriculum focuses on classical guitar; however, many students also participate in jazz improvisation courses, jazz ensemble, and form their own groups to perform other music styles. Internationally renowned guest artists supplement the curriculum with on-campus performances, lectures and master classes. The vibrant NCSA artistic community provides the ideal setting for artistic growth in an environment where musicians, dancers, actors, designers and filmmakers live and work together.