Master your skills in classical guitar through specialized workshops, engaging masterclasses, by participating in ensembles and receiving mentorship from professional musicians.
The Advanced Performance Program (APP) Classical Guitar Certificate targets enthusiastic players looking to advance their performance technique, musicianship and collaboration skills in a supportive environment. Students will work with our outstanding, internationally-recognized faculty who are invested in your musical and technical growth, along with your personal and professional goals.
The Advanced Performance Program runs on Mondays from September to May. APP students receive daily access to practice studios and pianos in our world-class facility.
To graduate with an Extension Certificate, APP students must successfully complete all required courses. To complement the program, students can register for elective courses.
Required courses
Guitar masterclass
- Weekly masterclasses provide students with the opportunity to play for and gain feedback from their peers, designated APP faculty, national and international guest artists. Students also have the opportunity to develop their listening and analytical skills by observing how instructors and guest artists work with their colleagues.
- Past guest artists include Iliana Matos, Trevor Cooper, Janet Grohovac, Darren Young, Holly Blazina, Ralph Maier, Emma Rush, and many more!
- The APP Guitar Masterclass course culminates in a graded solo recital in front of a formal jury
Chamber ensemble
- APP students are assigned to chamber ensembles made up of students with comparable skills and abilities. Chamber Ensembles are coached by APP Faculty. Students work together on a weekly basis to rehearse and perform repertoire selected to suit their musicianship level and ensemble make up. Through Chamber Ensemble instruction, students develop key skills related to small ensemble performance; how to interpret and come to a consensus regarding the realization of a work, how to collaboratively express artistic ideas, and how to engage as an ensemble so as to realize the intentions of the composer.
- Chamber Ensemble performance opportunities include regular recitals, community outreach concerts, and masterclasses.
- The APP Chamber Ensemble course culminates in a graded chamber music recital in front of a formal jury.
Specialized workshops
- The workshops provided each year (up to 18 hours per year) are meant to further augment the development of aspiring professional musicians. Workshops provide an in-depth look into key areas of development that musicians should be aware of and consider outside of the rigour of regular rehearsal and performance. The workshops vary each year with topics addressing the music business, managing and avoiding repetitive strain injuries commonly faced by musicians, topics on historically informed performance, developments in technique, music history, and theory. The world of music is ever-changing, as are the needs and abilities of today’s musicians. These workshops are meant to help students ponder the possibilities and prepare for a career in music.
Large ensemble
- APP students audition for a large ensemble that matches their interests, selected from the various large ensemble programs offered at the Conservatory. Students work together to rehearse and perform repertoire selected to suit the ensemble make up. Through Large Ensemble instructions, students develop key skills related to ensemble performance; how to follow a conductor, work collaboratively with a large group of people to realize and express the intentions of the composer, the music, and artistic aspirations communicated by the conductor. Further, APP Students are expected to demonstrate superior musicianship and express leadership within the ensemble.
- APP Students have the option of auditioning for:
- Conservatory Large Ensemble tuition is covered by the APP program. Society fees are not covered by the APP program.
- APP students must arrange an audition for the ensemble, the APP audition will not act as an audition for a Large Ensemble.
Elective courses
The APP Program offers a discounted rate (not included in the APP tuition) for elective courses. Elective courses such as music literacy, improvisation and independent study are available to APP students. See course list for more information.
Audition requirements
See details below or visit the program area page for complete audition requirements.
Tuition and scholarships
Get the latest information on tuition fees and scholarship opportunities.