Student guitarist performing in Kulas Recital Hall. — Guitar student Brian King '18 performs in Kulas Recital Hall. Photo credit: Stephen Aron

Program Overview

Classical Guitar

Program Type: Major

Bachelor of Music (BM)

Division: Strings

The classical guitar major emphasizes the full range of chamber literature. In addition to primary study on classical guitar, students can borrow and take lessons on a school-owned Renaissance lute, baroque lute, theorbo, vihuela, and baroque guitar. Students can take advantage of our extraordinary jazz guitar program for secondary lessons in that area. The program offers numerous performance opportunities, regular exposure to guest artists who perform recitals and teach master classes, and seminars that address career preparation. The major is supported by an extensive collection of guitar scores and recordings in the conservatory library.

two students performing on guitar and flute — Conservatory student guitarist performs chamber music in Kulas Recital Hall. Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

Guitar Ensemble

Oberlin guitar students have ample opportunities for performance over and above the required degree recitals. Students also play at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, Kendal Senior Living Community’s formal concert stage, or with one of the conservatory’s 25 large ensembles such as the Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble. With three standard concert spaces on campus for guitar recitals, few institutions have as many perfect rooms for the guitar.

Performance Ensembles