The Laurier classical guitar program is very supportive and welcoming to new students. Although we have high standards for musicianship, technique and creativity, we pursue these goals in a spirit of mutual growth through performance excellence and immersion in guitar music.
Our progressive program gives guitar students the chance to learn and perform classical guitar music and transcriptions of music from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern, and Contemporary styles. Students are encouraged to compose their own music and create arrangements of solo guitar music in addition to playing in chamber ensembles with other musicians.
The guitar program hosts world-renowned classical guitarists for guest masterclasses on a regular basis and encourages students to perform in many events both within and outside the Faculty.
As a guitar student, you have the flexibility to pursue your Bachelor of Music in performance, composition, education, integrated musical arts, music history, theory and critical analysis or self-directed studies. Pathways to the Bachelor of Music Therapy are available in your third year.
Admission to the Bachelor of Music is based on the collective results of your audition, academics, theory and ear training test, interview, reference and optional portfolio.
Audition repertoire should be solo classical guitar works performed at a Grade 7 RCM level equivalent or higher, from memory. Students must possess the ability to read music. Please feel free to contact us at choosemusic@wlu.ca with any questions regarding repertoire, as repertoire does have some degree of flexibility.
RCM formal training and exams are not required.
You must play your audition pieces on a classical guitar. This means you must play on a nylon-string classical guitar with at least six strings, without any accompaniment.
Prepare one piece from three of the four categories: