Faculty
- Dr. Nathan Huvard
- Dr. Tom Torrisi
About the area:
The Guitar Program at the Fredonia School of Music is long-established, well respected, and is one of the largest and most active programs in the nation; it offers solid foundational training in technique, historical and contemporary interpretation, performing opportunities, and a variety of ensemble experiences. The program is designed to support a wide range of musical backgrounds and interests while exposing students to a diverse range of styles, techniques, traditions, and skills.
The guitar department offers the following ‘tracks’: Classical, Jazz, Commercial, Historical Performance, and Folk. While students usually select a track by the end of their first semester, the curriculum is designed to expose all students to a broad range of styles and techniques, and all students will spend time studying some aspects of each track. Students gain exposure to various styles & techniques through hands-on experience and training on various plucked instruments, ranging from modern guitar (classical, jazz, electric), period instruments (lute, theorbo, baroque guitar), and folk (acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo). Collaboration, versatility, and strong fundamentals are emphasized throughout.
Studio Instruction
The curriculum for guitar studies at the Fredonia School of Music is designed for a student to grow as a multi-faceted musician while developing important technical skills in order to become an expressive musical artist.
Weekly individual lessons will focus on the development of:
Technique: Students receive personalized guidance in order to develop proper physical skills and self-direction. Students learn to play with efficient movement, projection, a desirable tone, and technique control.
Musicianship: The main objective is for a student to be able to insightfully interpret music, both historic and contemporary, through the refined voice of the guitar. By being equipped with the tools of a developed technique, musical ideals can then be realized.
Recital Seminar
This weekly seminar is designed for the student to learn how to perform by performing regularly. These sessions allow the student to develop essential performance skills such as self-confidence and musical communication.
Student Guitar Ensembles
Fredonia Guitar Ensemble explores a varied repertoire of original works and transcriptions while working under a conductor. Essential ensemble playing abilities and sight-reading skills are developed.
Fredonia Guitar Quartet members perform music of a high caliber from the library of the Buffalo Guitar Quartet and beyond. This touring ensemble has performed in Europe, South America, and the United States.
Guitar Chamber Ensemble gives a student the valuable opportunity to explore and perform settings with voice, violin, flute, etc.
Jazz Ensembles and Jazz Combos explore a wide range of jazz styles and often performs in smaller break-out groups that focus on specific genres. These ensembles perform for the general public multiple times a year.
Craig Einhorn Guitar Award and Fellowship
This annual award supports a one-week fellowship in Eugene, Oregon for a guitar student to study with Fredonia alumnus Craig Einhorn, and perform recitals in Eugene, Oregon.
Oasis Guitar Jury Award
The Oasis Guitar Jury Prize, a cash award of $500, will be presented to one State University of New York at Fredonia freshman, sophomore, or junior guitar major each semester who exhibits outstanding improvement in terms of musical expression and technical skills. This award will acknowledge the hard work and dedication it takes for a student to become the best of the best in Fredonia’s acclaimed guitar program.
If you have any questions about auditions or need further information, please contact Dr. Nathan Huvard (nathan.huvard@fredonia.edu)