Guitarists practice in between Guitar Ensemble rehearsals
Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music

» Guitar Performance

In this program you will:

  •  develop a deep understanding of classical guitar through:
    • performance at regional and national events
    • study of the guitar's history and repertoire
    • refinement of research and pedagogical skills

These skills are honed in conjunction with a strong liberal arts foundation so you can flourish as a performer and a scholar.

Students enrolled in the guitar studies program can double-major in other music programs, such as Music Composition and the Pre-Music Education Certification program, as well as non-music disciplines.

Students enrolled in the Pre-Music Education Certification program are welcome to use the guitar as their primary instrument.

By the time you graduate you'll be prepared to:

  • Demonstrate fluent musicianship skills, including:
    • an understanding of music theory
    • proficiency with aural skills and sight reading
    • knowledge of different musical styles and historical eras
    • a demonstration of basic piano skills
    • the ability to rehearse and perform collaboratively, and to contribute to an ensemble
    • proficiency with basic music technology
    • an understanding and demonstration of basic improvisation technique
  • Demonstrate performance skills as a soloist on your main instrument, including:
    • knowledge in technique
    • historically appropriate performance styles and repertoire
    • sight reading
  • Demonstrate leadership after having observed and experienced leadership roles and professional opportunities in order to prepare for a career as a performer
  • Employ pedagogical techniques and skills relevant to your instrument family

More information about and program courses and requirements is available on our Guitar Performance catalog page.


Performance Opportunities

Guitar students at Chapman University are offered several curricular and extra-curricular performance opportunities. These include:

Additionally, students regularly perform at local, regional, and national events. Chapman University plays host to the Orange County Guitar Circle, hosting monthly concerts throughout the semester at which students are encouraged to attend and perform.

Chapman University's Guitar Ensemble has toured and performed in Northern California, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Texas.


Student Clubs and Organizations

Joining a student club is a great way to expand your interests and community. You can join any of Chapman’s 230+ clubs and student organizations, but here are the ones Music students like to get involved in:

Student Story: Steven Gudino '20
Steven Gudino (double-major in Guitar Performance and Music Composition) won the 2017 Young Composer Competition.

Program Faculty

The Chapman University Guitar Studies Program is directed by Dr. Daniel de Arakal. A Chapman alumnus, de Arakal graduated cum Laude in 2010 with degrees in Guitar Performance and Music Composition. He earned his master's degree in Guitar Performance from the University of Southern California in 2012 before returning to Chapman to teach classical guitar.

In addition to directing the Guitar Studies program, de Arakal is an active performer, arranger and advocate for the guitar. He serves as the president of the Orange County Guitar Circle; one of Southern California's largest classical guitar societies. His "Introduction to Guitar Ensemble" series is published by Les Productions d'OZ.


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Where This Degree Will Take You

As a ministry discipline, an understanding of music has helped countless people achieve myriad careers over the centuries. Today, a Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance degree will prepare you for careers in:

  • professional performance
  • guitar instruction
  • elementary music education
  • collegiate music education
  • musicology

What's more, by adding a double major or minor in another music or non-music discipline, students may harness Guitar Performance degree in even more diverse careers after graduation.

You’ll also have access to free lifetime career advising from our dedicated Career Advisor for the College of Performing Arts. That means that you can get career advice and preparation from the day you begin the program to post-graduation.


Admission & Tour Information

Learn more about applying to the conservatory on our Music Admission page, including information about auditions and deadlines, or check out the curriculum on our catalog page.

Want to learn more about Chapman? We are always available for tours and information sessions. We’d love to meet you!


Related Programs

Students performing on musical instruments

BM Pre-Music Education Certification

A Chapman student working with a professor

Music Minors

You can explore all of Chapman’s undergraduate majors and minors with our program finder.

Contact Us


Program Questions
Daniel de Arakal, Ph.D.
Director of Guitar Studies
dearakal@chapman.edu 

Admission Questions
copaadmit@chapman.edu

College of Performing Arts Blog


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