Guitar Core Curriculum

Guitar lessons are paced for and tailored to individual students. They address improvement in reading, physical skills, knowledge of repertoire, and expression. The primary goal is to develop these skills without unnecessary tension and with effective technique and mechanics. Students are guided to develop the presence and awareness necessary to identify tension, technical inefficiencies, and musical failings, and to develop the discipline necessary to address them immediately.

This course is an extension of private lessons. It addresses many of the same concepts, but in a group setting. It is designed to be flexible to meet the varying levels and needs of students.

Music theory classes at Interlochen offer instruction in musicianship skills essential for the serious music student. The class objectives are to provide complete and thorough training in all basic musicianship skills; to offer advanced, college-level theory for the highly motivated student; and to stimulate and encourage exploration of the creative process through music creation (classical) and arranging (contemporary). 

Guitar ensemble meets as a large group and in smaller settings. The literature includes compositions written for guitar ensembles and arrangements of pieces originally written for other settings, ranging from solo instruments such as piano to full orchestras. The ensemble brings individual skills to bear effectively on a collaborative effort, resulting in beauty of execution and expression along with pride for the members in the ability to communicate as one with an audience.