The VCU guitar program
is a vibrant part of the VCU Department of Music. It is one of the
few guitar programs in the United States to offer flamenco guitar
for credit. Performance opportunities with the Guitar Ensemble,
the Community Guitar Ensemble or other such groups allow guitar
students to remain active in the department and the community.
Several of our alumni now head guitar programs at other colleges
and universities, including Old Dominion University, Norfolk State
University, the College of William and Mary, Christopher Newport
University, the University of Richmond and Mary Washington College.
In addition, our graduates teach throughout Virginia in public and
private schools. Graduates have also been winners in competitions
sponsored by the Virginia Music Teachers Association and the Virginia
String Teachers Association.
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.
Both offer ample opportunity to learn from and listen to world-class
guitarists.
Guitar Performance majors are eligible for the Jesus Silva Merit
Scholarship, which provides financial
assistance to outstanding undergraduate and graduate guitar
majors.
Guitar-related courses include lessons (classical, flamenco and
jazz), guitar ensemble, master class and guitar pedagogy. For a
complete listing of degree requirements, please refer to the Undergraduate
Bulletin
Faculty
John
Patykula , associate professor – coordinator; assistant
chair; director of the VCU Guitar Ensemble
John Birch, adjunct instructor – classical guitar Cory
Blake, adjunct instructor – classical guitar; world music
Charlie Moeser, adjunct instructor – flamenco guitar Kathy
Robinson, adjunct instructor – classical guitar
David Toussaint, adjunct instructor – classical guitar; pedagogy
