Request your copy of the Complete Graded Curriculum for Classical Guitar, Our Curriculum provides a seamless transition from RCM, LCM and Trinity systems.
Preparatory Program for Guitar
The Preparatory Program for Guitar, at Georgetown Guitar Academy is a strict, sequential, conservatory-style curriculum designed for students pursuing classical guitar at the highest pre-collegiate level.
This program is intended for serious classical guitarists preparing for:
• Competitive conservatory and university auditions
• Youth concerto and chamber opportunities
• National and international competitions
• Long-term professional or academic study in music
The structure, repertoire demands, and technical standards of this program are fully comparable to—and in many respects exceed—those of elite preparatory divisions such as the Peabody Preparatory. Advancement is earned, not assumed.
Program Philosophy
The Preparatory Program is built on three core principles:
1. Historical Literacy
Students develop deep familiarity with the central repertoire of the classical guitar tradition, from the Baroque through the Classical and early Romantic periods.
2. Technical Accountability
Every grade has defined technical expectations. Students do not advance without demonstrating secure fundamentals, consistent tone production, and stylistic control.
3. Musical Independence
By the upper levels, students are expected to analyze, interpret, and prepare repertoire at a pre-professional standard.
Curriculum Structure
The curriculum is organized into Grades 1–8, benchmarked against the technical and musical expectations of:
• RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music)
• Trinity College London
• London College of Music (LCM)
Each grade includes:
• Core solo repertoire
• Études and studies
• Stylistic works (dance forms, Baroque suites, Classical forms)
• Progressive technical requirements
Students typically prepare 2–3 major works per grade, along with supporting studies.
Graded Repertoire Curriculum Examples
Grade 1
• Carulli – Andantino (Op. 241)
• Giuliani – Allegro (Op. 50, No. 1)
• Sor – Study in C (Op. 60, No. 1)
Grade 2
• Sor – Study in G (Op. 60, No. 3)
• Giuliani – Allegro (Op. 50, No. 3)
• Bach – Minuet in G (BWV Anh. 114, arr.)
Grade 3
• Carcassi – Study in A minor (Op. 60, No. 7)
• Sanz – Canarios
Grade 4
• Sor – Study in D (Op. 35, No. 22)
• Bach – Minuet in D minor (BWV Anh. 132)
Grade 5
• Sor – Study in B minor (Op. 35, No. 13)
• Bach – Bourrée (BWV 996)
• de Visée – Sarabande
Grade 6
• Sor – Study in C minor (Op. 35, No. 6)
• Bach – Prelude in D minor (BWV 999)
• Sanz – Jácaras
Grade 7
• Sor – Study in A minor (Op. 29, No. 13)
• Bach – Allemande (BWV 996)
• de Visée – Chaconne
Grade 8
• Sor – Introduction and Variations on a Theme by Mozart (Op. 9)
• Bach – Prelude, Fugue & Allegro (BWV 998 – Prelude or Fugue)
• Sanz – Suite Española (major selections)
Assessment & Advancement
• Placement is determined by audition or faculty review
• Advancement requires:
• Technical consistency
• Stylistic accuracy
• Secure memorization (upper grades)
• Mature musical interpretation
Students may remain in a grade for multiple terms until standards are met. There is no automatic progression.
Who This Program Is For
This program is appropriate for students who:
• Practice consistently and independently
• Intend to pursue music seriously beyond recreational study
• Are comfortable with structured expectations and long-term goals
Students seeking a casual or purely exploratory experience are encouraged to enroll in the General Guitar Track rather than the Preparatory Program.
Outcomes
Graduates of the Preparatory Program are equipped to:
• Audition competitively for conservatory and university programs
• Enter collegiate guitar studios with advanced standing
• Perform confidently as soloists and chamber musicians
This program is intended for serious classical guitarists preparing for:
• Competitive conservatory and university auditions
• Youth concerto and chamber opportunities
• National and international competitions
• Long-term professional or academic study in music
The structure, repertoire demands, and technical standards of this program are fully comparable to—and in many respects exceed—those of elite preparatory divisions such as the Peabody Preparatory. Advancement is earned, not assumed.
Program Philosophy
The Preparatory Program is built on three core principles:
1. Historical Literacy
Students develop deep familiarity with the central repertoire of the classical guitar tradition, from the Baroque through the Classical and early Romantic periods.
2. Technical Accountability
Every grade has defined technical expectations. Students do not advance without demonstrating secure fundamentals, consistent tone production, and stylistic control.
3. Musical Independence
By the upper levels, students are expected to analyze, interpret, and prepare repertoire at a pre-professional standard.
Curriculum Structure
The curriculum is organized into Grades 1–8, benchmarked against the technical and musical expectations of:
• RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music)
• Trinity College London
• London College of Music (LCM)
Each grade includes:
• Core solo repertoire
• Études and studies
• Stylistic works (dance forms, Baroque suites, Classical forms)
• Progressive technical requirements
Students typically prepare 2–3 major works per grade, along with supporting studies.
Graded Repertoire Curriculum Examples
Grade 1
• Carulli – Andantino (Op. 241)
• Giuliani – Allegro (Op. 50, No. 1)
• Sor – Study in C (Op. 60, No. 1)
Grade 2
• Sor – Study in G (Op. 60, No. 3)
• Giuliani – Allegro (Op. 50, No. 3)
• Bach – Minuet in G (BWV Anh. 114, arr.)
Grade 3
• Carcassi – Study in A minor (Op. 60, No. 7)
• Sanz – Canarios
Grade 4
• Sor – Study in D (Op. 35, No. 22)
• Bach – Minuet in D minor (BWV Anh. 132)
Grade 5
• Sor – Study in B minor (Op. 35, No. 13)
• Bach – Bourrée (BWV 996)
• de Visée – Sarabande
Grade 6
• Sor – Study in C minor (Op. 35, No. 6)
• Bach – Prelude in D minor (BWV 999)
• Sanz – Jácaras
Grade 7
• Sor – Study in A minor (Op. 29, No. 13)
• Bach – Allemande (BWV 996)
• de Visée – Chaconne
Grade 8
• Sor – Introduction and Variations on a Theme by Mozart (Op. 9)
• Bach – Prelude, Fugue & Allegro (BWV 998 – Prelude or Fugue)
• Sanz – Suite Española (major selections)
Assessment & Advancement
• Placement is determined by audition or faculty review
• Advancement requires:
• Technical consistency
• Stylistic accuracy
• Secure memorization (upper grades)
• Mature musical interpretation
Students may remain in a grade for multiple terms until standards are met. There is no automatic progression.
Who This Program Is For
This program is appropriate for students who:
• Practice consistently and independently
• Intend to pursue music seriously beyond recreational study
• Are comfortable with structured expectations and long-term goals
Students seeking a casual or purely exploratory experience are encouraged to enroll in the General Guitar Track rather than the Preparatory Program.
Outcomes
Graduates of the Preparatory Program are equipped to:
• Audition competitively for conservatory and university programs
• Enter collegiate guitar studios with advanced standing
• Perform confidently as soloists and chamber musicians