Once students begin their search for schools to attend and teachers to study with, it should be expected that the audition pro- cess, expected skill level for entrance, and programs themselves are not aligned in the same manner. Moreover, one can expect that not all university level instructors are the same as they each possess dif- ferent areas of musical expertise, teaching abilities and levels in career status. From the information gathered it is of little surprise that con-
servatory studies are more intensive than most colleges. There is a high expectation of playing ability and musical skill, set prior to enrollment because the nature of conservatories is to emphasize performance. Moreover, because of the emphasis on performance conservatories offer guitar specific classes which are part of a “guitar curriculum” and require recitals in order to graduate. These intensive studies do come at a premium, as conservatories will tend to be more expensive than local or state schools. Guitarists with lesser experience (musical or playing ability) may wish to begin studies at a two year college as entrance require- ments are less stringent than conservatories or four year schools. Two year colleges are a good place for a student to “dip their feet” and see if pursuing guitar performance is ideal for them. Four year colleges offer students a “middle ground” as there is an expected level of play- ing ability and musical skills prior to acceptance into the program. Guitarists study in the music department and take lessons with ei- ther the primary instructor or their graduate assistant. Music depart- ments tend to offer less guitar specific classes because faculty may not be full-time and/or there may not be funding available. Given the access to the Internet there is no lack of informa-
tion available to students seeking quality teachers. Students should research potential teachers by attending concerts, listening to record- ings and reading articles written by those they would like to study with. It is also highly recommended that students schedule a few lessons with potential teachers prior to enrollment to gauge their instructional approach and to see if personalities “gel.” Furthermore, students should schedule lessons with several different teachers and compare approaches. If this is not logistically or financially possible, then at least schedule a few lessons with a former pupil of the teacher in question. Moreover, it may be possible to study “online” with a teacher as is the case with Jason Vieaux. Vieaux has partnered with a leading music technology company called ArtistWorks™ to create the “Jason Vieaux School of Classical Guitar™” where subscribers submit videos of their playing (or questions) to which he can re- spond in kind. Additionally, there is an entire curriculum of video lessons for students online.
The pursuit of guitar studies on the collegiate level is a chal- lenging and worthwhile experience for a young musician. Yet they should be aware that playing the instrument will not be their only obligation; there is a normal class load as well as courses required for all music majors. Time management skills are of the utmost impor- tance to ensure a regular practice routine. However, in the end, the experience and lessons learned will create a well-rounded musician.
Thomas Amoriello is currently teach-
ing General Music/Guitar Class & Chorus at Reading Fleming Intermediate School in Hunterdon County. He is a graduate of Rowan University and Shenandoah Conser- vatory. He was an adjunct guitar instructor at Cumberland County College from 1999- 2005. He has presented guitar workshops for various music organizations including the NJMEA, Guitar Foundation of Amer- ica and Philadelphia Classical Guitar So- ciety. He is proud to endorse The Guitar Wheel, D’Addario Strings and Guitar Picks by Steve Clayton, Inc. You can learn more about Tom by visiting
www.tomamoriello. com
Matthew S. Ablan is an
elementary music educator in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a graduate of SUNY Stony Brook and The Cleveland Insti- tute of Music as well as holding a Masters in Music Education from Case Western Reserve Uni- versity. Ablan’s list of teaching credentials include having served as adjunct instructor of classical guitar studies at Allegheny Col-
lege in Meadville, PA and maintaining a successful private guitar studio for close to two decades. Most recently he was a guest lecturer at the 2012 Guitar Foundation of America International Festival and Competition in Charleston, SC. For more information about Matthew please visit:
www.matthewablan.com
& JANUARY 2013 31 TEMPO
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