Classical Guitar with Christopher Parkening
Thank you for your interest in classical guitar at Pepperdine University, under the direction of guitar virtuoso Christopher Parkening.
Pepperdine University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with an emphasis in Classical Guitar. The music program, accredited by the National
Association of Schools of Music (NASM), also includes a rigorous core curriculum comprised
of theory, history, private lessons, ensemble participation and numerous performance
opportunities. This curriculum combined with Seaver College's top-tier general education
program provides students with both depth and breadth during their undergraduate tenure.
Vision
"In training future generations of guitarists at Pepperdine University, it is my goal
to emphasize the importance of playing with beauty, warmth, and lyricism" says Professor
Parkening, the recognized heir to Andrés Segovia's legacy.
Mission
To fulfill this goal, we commit to educate, equip, and empower our guitar students. If you come to Pepperdine, we will—
- educate you to the highest level so that academic discovery enriches artistic creation;
- equip you with the skills and tools needed to compete in the 21st-Century; and
- empower you to utilize and share your talents in service to others.
History
In 2002 Christopher Parkening joined the music faculty at Pepperdine to mentor students
in classical guitar. What started with a few guitar majors enrolled in private lessons
has now expanded to both majors and minors–and many other students—who participate
in a wide variety of courses and programs provided by the guitar faculty.
Majors
Applied music majors with an emphasis in classical guitar study a curated repertoire list which presents a balance of both technical and expressive challenges.
Each semester, classical guitar majors participate in:
- seven private lessons and a masterclass with Christopher Parkening.
- additional weekly private lessons with adjunct professors Anastasios Comanescu and Kevin Enstrom.
- a recording session with a professional recording artist.
- a monthly Guitar Concert Series.
- a challenging core curriculum (Performance Skills for Classical Guitar, Guitar Ensemble, Guitar History and Literature).
- weekly studio classes with Christopher Parkening.
- Pepperdine student-led Malibu Library outreach concerts.
Additional opportunities may include on- and off-campus performances at special University
events in Malibu and surrounding cities.
Minors
Are you interested in declaring a minor in music with an emphasis in classical guitar?
If so, please contact Kevin Enstrom to receive more information.
Non-Music Majors and Minors
The classical guitar program also has classes and performance opportunities for non-music majors/minors who wish to increase their knowledge and skills on the guitar including:
- Group guitar workshops
- Beginning Guitar I & II
- Private lessons with Anastasios Comanescu and Kevin Enstrom
- The monthly Guitar Concert Series
Applicants
Are you interested in declaring a major in classical guitar performance?
Or, perhaps, you would like to pursue a minor. Even if you simply want more information
about a program or event, we would like to hear from you. Please contact us with any
questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you.