Guitar Studio
The Guitar Studio at Southern Miss is one of the leading guitar departments in the state, housed within one of the leading schools of music in the region. It is headed by nationally-recognized concert artist and educator, Nicholas Ciraldo, and boasts 30 students.
Opportunities each semester include various types of solo and chamber music performances, masterclasses, lectures, and guest performances. A well-rounded curriculum that focuses on artistry, musicianship, technique, and career skills are central to the program.
Degrees
Southern Miss offers the following degrees to students who wish to have guitar as their concentration
• Bachelor of Music in String Performance
• Bachelor of Music in Education
• Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Industry and Entertainment
• Master of Music in String Performance
• Doctor of Musical Arts in String Performance
Performances
The Southern Miss Guitar Studio possesses three guitar ensembles and several smaller groups. Their performances occur throughout the year, on campus, and in the community.
Solo opportunities are available both on a weekly basis in "Recital Class" and at the close of each semester's "Guitar Gala." Students are encouraged to seek out as much performance experience as possible.
Scholarships
Merit- and need-based scholarships are available to guitar students.
Auditions
Auditions are held every fall and spring. Please contact Nicholas Ciraldo directly to schedule an interview and audition. Recommended audition material is below. Additionally, a short sight-reading examination will be included for prospective undergraduate students. The B.M. recommendations are for prospective freshman and transfer students.
Bachelor of Music
•One etude by Carcassi, Sor, Coste, or Villa-Lobos
• A movement of a work or a single-movement work not from the Classical Period
Master of Music
•A movement of an unaccompanied Bach work for Lute, Violin, or Cello
• A movement of a work written after the Baroque Period
Doctorate of Musical Arts
• Two movements of an unaccompanied Bach work for Lute, Violin, or Cello
• A movement of a work or a single-movement work from the Classical or Romantic Period
• A movement of a work or a single-movement Contemporary work
Application
To apply to Southern Miss, contact Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions.
At right: Nicholas Ciraldo
Assistant Professor of Guitar