VCU Guitar Program

The VCU Guitar Program is a vibrant part of the VCU Department of Music. 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 Mary Washington College. In addition, several of our graduates are currently teaching in Virginia public and private schools.

Several of our graduates have been winners in competitions sponsored by the Virginia Music Teachers Association and the Virginia String Teachers Association.

Each year, the VCU Guitar Series and the Guitar and Other Strings Series brings 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, John Jackson (blues), Paco de Malaga (flamenco), and Leo Kottke.

The Jesus Silva Merit Scholarship provides financial assistance to outstanding undergraduate and graduate guitar majors. In addition, the VCU Guitar Program is one of the few guitar programs in the United States to offer flamenco guitar for credit.

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 found on the VCU web-site