University of St. Thomas Guitar Studies Program

The UST Guitar Studies Program offers a comprehensive approach to learning the guitar leading to both professional and amateur preparation by featuring an eclectic, performance-oriented curriculum which embraces all styles of music for acoustic and electric guitars and basses. The UST Guitar Studies Program faculty boasts a professional faculty with strengths in technique, performance practice and interpretation, improvisation, composition, songwriting, and small and large group performance in all styles of classical, jazz, rock, folk, and flamenco.

To achieve this, we have designed a program of learning which includes individual and group lessons, courses in guitar history and teaching, ensembles of all sizes and an ever-present commitment to an equal respect for all styles of music for guitar. From the absolute beginner seeking to round out a liberal arts experience (and for whom we provide free loaner guitars) to the professional-in-training, the UST Guitar Studies Program presents challenging guitar study with professional-level teachers and curriculum.

The UST Guitar Studies Program was founded by Chris Kachian in 1984. At that time there was one student and no guitar-related coursework. There are now nearly 100 students at all skill levels studying virtually all styles of guitar music with a number of courses and ensembles. Some of our majors are either in or have been graduated from the finest graduate schools in the USA.

The UST Guitar Studies Program of the University of St. Thomas Department of Music is designed to meet the artistic and educational needs of both the aspiring professional and the dedicated amateur. Our professional preparation program combines with a liberal arts music experience and honors all genres of guitar music toward the BA Degree in Music.