Guitar
Students who complete the music curriculum in guitar receive a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in performance and an emphasis in guitar, or a Bachelor of Arts in Music. For more information on degree requirements, see the curriculum guidelines for the B.A. and the guitar performance concentration [PDF].
Guitar students have the opportunity to study a number of styles and techniques through classical and jazz lessons, guitar ensembles, master classes and guitar
pedagogy. In addition, VCU is one of the few guitar programs in the U.S. to offer
flamenco guitar lessons for credit.
Each year, the VCU Guitar Series and the Guitar and Other Strings Series bring nationally and internationally acclaimed guitarists to the VCU campus for concerts and master classes. Past performers include William Kanengiser, Manuel Barrueco, Eliot Fisk, Dennis Koster, Lily Afshar, Larry Snitzler, David Russell, Simon Dinnigan, the Washington Guitar Quintet with Charlie Byrd, blues guitarist John Jackson, flamenco guitarist Paco de Malaga and Leo Kottke.
Several of our alumni are now heads of guitar programs at other universities, including Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, the College of William and Mary, Christopher Newport University, the University of Richmond and Randolph-Macon College. Many are also currently teaching in Virginia public and private schools and have been recognized in competitions sponsored by the Virginia Music Teachers Association and the Virginia String Teachers Association.
Interested in auditioning? Please view the guitar audition tips.
Faculty
- John Patykula, associate professor, area coordinator, guitar
- Steve Ashby, guitar
- Kevin Harding, guitar
- Adam Larrabee, guitar
- Charlie Moeser, flamenco guitar
- David Robinson, guitar
- David Toussaint, guitar
