Cabrillo offers guitarists many possibilities for learning and performance, including classical, popular and jazz guitar courses, as well as an extensive jazz improvisation program. The music department is known for excellence in music instruction throughout the state. In addition to the guitar program, Cabrillo offers one of the most diverse music curriculums of any college in the state. Guitarists are encouraged to take advantage of the many non-guitar possibilities that the department offers. The guitar department has transfer students at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Berklee College of Music, San Francisco State, San Jose State, University of California, Santa Cruz and many other four year colleges.
Classical Guitar
The classical guitar courses at Cabrillo are taught by Guy Cantwell. Guy's approach to the guitar is based on learning efficient techniques for both right and left hands. The classical curriculum incorporates both solo and ensemble performance experiences. Guy has taught these classes at Cabrillo since 1987.
Music 33A - Beginning Classical Guitar: For the beginning guitarist. Learn how to read music on the guitar, develop and refine fingerstyle technique. Learn to play simple, good sounding pieces for guitar and explore the classical guitar world through recordings and live performances.
Music 33B - Intermediate Classical Guitar: Continuation of 33A. Emphasis on technique, sightreading, development of repertoire, performance, transcription and transposition. Students perform in class and in a concert at semester's end. The class has also appeared on local television.
Music 47 - Guitar Ensemble: For guitarists who read music. Large guitar ensemble (guitar orchestra), sight reading and technique, development of performance skills in a non-threatening situation. Students perform in class and in a concert at semester's end at the Kuumbwa (local club). Recently this class appeared with David Tanenbaum and others in a performance in a sold out performance in San Francisco. Class has also appeared on local television.
Masterclasses/Workshops: The classical guitar department sponsors master classes and workshops on occasion. Students are invited to observe and the advanced students participate. Some of the guitarists that have given classes: David Tanenbaum, Benjamin Verdery, Marc Teicholz, Paul Galbraith and Stuart Fox.
Jazz Guitar
The jazz guitar courses at Cabrillo are taught by Walt Trindade. They focus on thorough knowledge of the fingerboard through chord melody arrangements and use of extended harmonies. Walt has taught these courses at Cabrillo since 1977.
Music 26A - Beginning Jazz/Rock Guitar Techniques: Introduction to techniques commonly known to jazz and rock guitar. Extended chords, chord substitutions, modes, scale patterns, comping, chord melody playing. Students should have experience equivalent to a jazz/rock guitar course.
Music 26B - Advanced Jazz/Rock Guitar Techniques: In-depth fretboard technique, extended harmony chord substitution, improvisational techniques and chord solo playing.
Jazz Improvisation
The jazz improvisation courses are taught by Ray Brown. Ray has taught many guitarists (and other instrumentalists) how to play jazz. His approach to improvisation is well thought out and is laid out in an easy to understand manner.
Music 24A/B - Beginning/Intermediate Jazz Improvisation: A workable approach to jazz improvisation for public performance. Accuracy of technique, validity of style, shadings of interpretation, disciplines of rehearsal and performance. Student should have the ability to play an instrument with proficiency and read music at sight. 24B continues the basics and scale foundations for jazz improvisation initiated in Music 24A.
Music 24C - Advanced Jazz Improvisation: Designed to give students the opportunity to perform improvised solos, including "standards" and original works. Improvisation both by memory and by reading chord symbols.
Music 9 A/B - Jazz Arranging: Study of Jazz theory and arranging techniques. Chord spelling, chord progression, rhythm melody, chord notation, instrument ranges. Advanced class covers big band arranging techniques. Voicings for reeds and brass, correct rhythmic notation, conductor's parts and the writing and performance of two complete arrangements for nineteen piece band.
Music 50 - Jazz Repertory Workshop: A study and performance by small ensembles of compositions written in the jazz idiom. Emphasis on chord progression analysis, solo devices, and improvisation. Performances in the Theater at the end of the semester as part of a small Jazz ensemble.
Music 60 - Jazz Combo: Preparation and performance of all types of popular music using the principles of jazz improvisation in a small group setting. Performances in the Theater at the end of the semester as part of a small Jazz ensemble.
Music 46 - Jazz Ensemble: Big Band Jazz ensemble. Performances at semester's end and other situations.
Music 38 - Jazz Singers: Accompany the vocal jazz ensemble. Performances at semester's end and other situations.
Master classes/Workshops: Workshops open to students have included such artists as: John Scofield (guitar), Ernie Watts (Sax), Steve Brown (guitar) and many others.
Popular Guitar
Music 27 - Beginning Popular Guitar Techniques: Basic guitar for the near beginner. Chord diagram reading, chord and scale vocabulary, song forms and chord melody using extended harmonies.
Music 28 - Popular Songwriting: Techniques for the songwriter and serious student of popular music. Popular songs and student compositions discussed in terms of form, rhythm, melody, harmony and the lyrics/music relationship. Basics of copyright and publishing will also be covered.
Music 56 - Latin American Music Ensemble: Study and performance of music from selected Latin American cultures. Concert at the end of each semester.
Applied Music
The applied music course (Music 16) is designed for music majors and minors and is open to guitarists in any style. Students study privately with an instructor and receive feedback and experience through in-class performances. Limited scholarships are available.
Recording Studio Instruction
Cabrillo has two recording studios. The larger studio features a large studio space and a separate control room equipped with ADAT and DAT machines. Also included are complete MIDI capabilities and numerous outboard effects. The second studio is a smaller MIDI studio.
Music 31A/B - Introduction/Intermediate Recording Techniques: Introduction to recording studio technology and operation. Demonstration of modern studio engineering techniques. 31 B is a continuation of 31A for studio musicians and home or professional recording engineers. Detailed survey and demonstration of studio equipment used to create a full range of mixes.
Music 57 - Introduction to Midi: An introduction to the fundamentals of the MIDI system. Parameters and commands of the MIDI system will be studied so that the student will be able to fully use the capabilities of any MIDI electronic device. Central to the course will be instruction on the use of a MIDI sequencer with computer.
