To schedule a (classical) guitar audition, please contact Prof. Alan Rosenkoetter at (314) 935-5542 (rosenkoettera@umsl.edu).

Guitar Performance Majors

Entering students should have covered basic positions, rest stroke with fingers, free stroke with thumb, introduction of basic barré technique, free stroke with the fingers and the playing of three to four note chords as well as the following literature and scales:

In the case of literature, there are many alternatives to the items listed. All early music (lute literature) should be played with f# tuning and in third position with capo.

  • Exercises and Scales:
    • Pujol, Guitar School (Orphee), Book Two, through Ex. 60 (end of Part I)
    • Giuliani, Op.1a, vol. 1, (Tecla Editions, Jeffery ed.) arpeggio studies - emphasis on development of free stroke.
    • Segovia, Diatonic Major and Minor Scales, C, G, E, and F major.   
  • Literature:
    • Sor, Fernando, 20 Studies ed. by Segovia , Etude #2.
    • Hamilton and McFadden, eds. cont., Guitar Series, Album  2 or 3.
    • Carcassi, Studies, Op. 60.
    • Poulenc, "Sarabande" 
    • Noad, The Renaissance Guitar, selections.

Non-Performance Majors (including Music Education* majors, Music B.A. majors, etc.)

All entering students must be able to read music on the guitar (not tab) and have accomplished the following technical material:

  • Basic positions, rest stroke with fingers, free stroke with thumb, introduction of basic barré technique, free stroke with the fingers and the playing of three to four note chords.

The following material is recommended to accomplish these goals. In the case of literature, there are many alternatives to the items listed. All early music (lute literature) should be played in third position with capo.  

This material could be accomplished in three to four months of well-directed study.

  • Exercises and Scales:
    • Pujol, Guitar School (Orphee), Book Two, up to ex. #25-27 (p. 106-107)
    • Optional: Segovia. Diatonic Major and Minor Scales, begin work on C major and G Major.
  • Literature:
    • Selections from Guitar Series, Bridges, Preparatory Repertoire and Studies or Repertoire and Studies Level 1,The Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto), The Frederick Harris Music Co., Limited.
    • Carcassi, Studies, Op. 60.

* = Note: Guitar students seeking entry to the BM: Music Education program will be asked, upon acceptance by the Department of Music, to audition for and enroll in an approved large ensemble compatible with the teaching certification they are pursuing: University Singers [for those seeking vocal/choral certification]; or, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble or Orchestra [for those seeking instrumental certification]. This does not impact the other BM or BA in Music degrees.