Membership in the Radford University Guitar Ensemble is required of guitar students in the guitar studio and is open to minors and non-majors by audition. Its purpose is to building sight-reading, ensemble skills and finally performance skills. The ensemble performs both on and off-campus and is directed by Robert Trent.
The Guitar Ensemble has performed throughout the Mid-Atlantic states from Maryland to North Carolina and was selected by the Guitar Foundation of America to perform at its Washington, DC Conference - Strathmore Performing Arts Center. Performances have often involved singers and other instrumentalists and in past years the Radford University Guitar Ensemble has collaborated with students in the department of dance.
In the past the ensemble has been selected by the Roanoke Symphony to perform for schools in the region. This program sponsored by the New River Friends of the Roanoke Symphony has helped the ensemble to grow and has allowed hundreds of school children to hear music for guitar ensemble.
Students are invited to audition for the RU Honor’s Guitar Quartet and whose members often tour with Trent. Concert/Study Abroad tours have included Vietnam, Thailand, and Brazil.
Students also have the opportunity to learn from the many guest artists throughout the year including the Radford University International Guitar Festival.
"It is my philosophy that true musical solidity can be inculcated via a chamber music approach, whereby 'leaders' change within the group varying from piece to piece. It is a difficult interdependency, but one which begins to form security both individually and collectively.”
The goal of the Guitar Program at Radford University is to provide students with a comprehensive preparation in Guitar and music, preparing students with the necessary skills and knowledge that are required to succeed in today’s competitive music scene.
The Guitar Program is directed by Robert Trent, Ph.D.
Each student receives a one-hour lesson per week from the instructor. The lessons
cover a broad range of topics and techniques cultivating a versatile, competent and
expression musician who is knowledgeable and capable to enter any and all facets
of the profession in which a guitarist can find themselves.
In addition to weekly lessons, each week "Friday Performance Classes” are held in
the performance hall or rehearsal hall. Here, students perform in an open forum whereby
they receive immediate feedback on their performance skills and are recorded for additional
follow-up study of their HD video.
Students also have the additional performance opportunity of weekly department-wide
recitals; formal junior and senior recitals, University Guitar Ensemble and chamber
recitals both on and off campus.