Area of Study: Guitar

Guitar at YSM

The guitar program offers instruction in a variety of areas, with guitarists taking lessons, participating in a weekly studio seminar, working with guest artists, and performing solo and ensemble repertoire. The weekly guitar seminar includes performances of newly learned solo and chamber music, as well as lectures on such topics as interpretation, arranging, technique, pedagogy, master-class teaching, programming, performing, sight reading, competitions, recording, and career development. Each semester, students work in a duo or chamber music group and perform their chamber music piece in concert. Repertoire is decided by the students and Prof. Benjamin Verdery.

Each year, students are required to write an étude and an arrangement, and to present a lecture. Each semester features a master class with a guest artist. Before graduating, all guitar students must perform a 20-minute outreach concert in the New Haven Public Schools. 

faculty spotlight

Ben Verdery
Associate Professor Adjunct of Guitar

Benjamin Verdery

Hailed for his innovative career, faculty guitarist Benjamin Verdery tours regularly and has released over 15 albums.

Degrees + Programs

Master of Music

The two-year master of music (M.M.) degree program is open to students who hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in any major.

Master of Musical Arts

The performance-oriented master of musical arts (M.M.A.) program is designed for students who want to further their education beyond an M.M. degree.

Doctor of Musical Arts

The intensive doctor of musical arts (D.M.A) program is comprised of a two-year residency followed by a three-year period in which candidates launch their professional careers.

Artist Diploma

The highly selective artist diploma (A.D.) program is designed for young artists who demonstrate potential for a major concert career.

Certificate in Performance

The three-year certificate in performance program is designed for performers who do not hold a bachelor’s degree but want to study at the highest level.

B.A./M.M.

The bachelor of arts/master of music (B.A./M.M) program is designed for young instrumentalists also interested in pursuing a liberal arts education.

Perform at Yale
At the Yale School of Music, there are numerous opportunities to perform in the School’s historic concert halls and throughout New Haven.
I learned so much from the other guitarists in the studio. I loved how different we were ...
Nicoletta Todesco, guitar, ’19MMA