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Music Performance

GUITAR

Founded by guitarists in 1985, McNally Smith College of Music has a long tradition of training some of the best young guitarists in the country. The guitar faculty has crafted a curriculum that challenges students to gain the versatility needed to be a successful professional player as well as to develop their natural talents, styles, and creativity. Guitar students study one-on-one with faculty members and in small group classes that provide personal attention and interaction. Beyond the classroom, students perform in college ensembles and venture into the Twin Cities music community for live performances.

Download the Guitar Audition Requirements here (pdf).
KEY CLASSES

Applied Theory and Music Interpretation
The application of scales, chords and arpeggios to guitar performance in a wide variety of musical styles and situations is the primary focus of these classes.

Contemporary Music Literature
The best way to learn and experience various styles of music is to perform them on stage.

Technique
Three levels of technique classes provide specific concentrations. The first level builds working classical technique through the use of exercises and repertoire. The second concentrates on acquiring rhythm techniques in rock, Latin, jazz, and other current styles. The third focuses on improvisational techniques.

Reading
The essential professional skill is the ability to read music. Through professional-level charts and situations, students experience reading for the studio, the pit and the stage.



Commonly Searched Phrases: Guitar Schools | Performing Arts College | Music Business School

CAREERS
 

  • College Instructor
  • Pit Orchestra/Show Musician
  • Soundtrack Composer/Producer
  • Touring/Recording Artist

    Kevin Daley
    Kevin Daley has been a Minnesota Music Award recipient for top jazz-fusion guitarist.
  • Kevin Daley
    • Jerry Kosak
    Department Head, Guitar
    Jerry Kosak is a Jerome Foundation Grant recipient who has recorded two CDs of original music for solo guitar, "Many Dances" and "Sounds Like This."
  • Jerry Kosak
    • Mike Krajewski
    Mike has studied with: John Sutherland, Mark French, Jon Finn, Jim Kelly, Dave Frackenphol, and Kevin Bales.
  • Mike Krajewski
    • Paul Krueger
    Having studied under guitar greats Bill Leavitt, Mike Ihde, and Larry Baione, Paul Krueger toured eight years with various shows and rock bands throughout the U.S. and Canada.
  • Paul Krueger
    • Tim Lyles
    Tim's career includes a wide range of accomplishments in television production, recording studio session work, producing, arranging, engineering, studio management, and multi-instrumental live performance.
  • Tim Lyles
    • Michael Menard
    Michael Menard is an accomplished classical guitarist and guitar teacher with the ability to play and teach many styles of music.
  • Michael Menard
    • Brian Metreyeon
    Brian studied with Brett Garsed and Scott Henderson.
  • Brian Metreyeon
    • Ric Oliva
    Ric has been playing guitar for over 20 years and has been teaching guitar and songwriting since 1997.
  • Ric Oliva
    • Christopher Olson
    Chris Olson has performed with such artists as Bob Mintzer, Louis Bellson, Terry Gibbs, Ira Sullivan, and Bobby Vinton.
  • Christopher Olson
    • Bobby Stanton
    Bobby Stanton’s extensive career includes playing with James Taylor, Garrison Keillor, Mark O'Connor, the Shirelles, Bo Diddley, the Coasters, the Marvelettes, the Platters, and Richie Havens, to name a few.
  • Bobby Stanton
    • Neal Thorgrimson
    Neal Thorgrimson has 20 years experience playing professionally in pop music style bands.
  • Neal Thorgrimson
    • Cliff Wittstruck
    Dean of Academic Affairs
    Cliff Wittstruck performed with the R&B group, Inside Straight, opening for such nationally-renowned performers as James Brown, Roy Buchanan, Junior Walker and the All Stars, Sam and Dave, the Minnesota Orchestra, and Sun Ra.
  • Cliff Wittstruck
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