Stephen Aron is Professor of Music and Chair of the Guitar Department at the University of Akron (since 1981)

He is also Teacher of Classical Guitar and founder of the Classical Guitar Studies Program at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music (since 1991)

Teaching Philosophy

Stephen Aron has a philosophy of pedagogy that is thoroughly field-tested and proven. He stresses:

1. the pursuit of a healthy technique, founded on respect for our physiology and the ergonomic limitations of the instrument;
2. a deeply established set of broad-ranging technical skills developed through daily exercises;
3. the consistent employment these technical skills in a musical environment, and the acquisition of basic musical skills through regular work with etude literature of all periods and styles;
4. the thorough mastery of the fretboard to enable facility with figured-bass realization, chord chart reading, improvisation, transposition, arranging and original composition in addition to improving general sight-reading;
5. a comprehensive introduction to and exploration of the literature through carefully calibrated repertoire choices, with an emphasis on finding level-appropriate material with a minimum of studio overlap;
6. a thorough understanding of performance practice as relates to each style period;
7. the collaborative experience through at least two chamber works per semester, as chamber music is an irreplaceable component of musical experience and education;
8. the value of performance involvement in new music, especially working with student composers in the preparation of the "world premieres" of their guitar works;
9. the development of performance skills through frequent opportunities to access the stage in a guitar studio culture in which partial or full recitals in every year of study is the norm rather than the exception;
10. the development of personal management skills and professional activity at the earliest stages in the areas of performance, teaching, composing and related activities, such that students graduate with competitive resumés and a confident sense of "what to do next."
11. a commitment to a lifetime of follow-up and career-building advice for all alumni

Mr. Aron's alumni have distinguished themselves throughout the years with numerous prizes at national and international competitions, many collegiate teaching posts, countless CD's, performances at venues around the world, concerts, lectures, masterclasses and adjudication at major music festivals, publications of original composition and writing, and advanced study at the world's most famous institutions.

Select Alumni Links

Mir Ali - University of Akron

Randall Avers - University of Akron/Oberlin Conservatory

James Buckland - University of Akron

Theresa Calpotura - Oberlin Conservatory

Ben Cantu - Oberlin Conservatory

Michael Curtis - University of Akron

Jonathan Davis - University of Akron

Brendan Evans - Oberlin Conservatory

Dominic Frasca - University of Akron

Matthew Hinsley - Oberlin Conservatory

Bret Hoag - Oberlin Conservatory

Paige Jackson - University of Akron

Rusty Jones - University of Akron

Kimberly Fox - University of Akron

Dan Lippel - Oberlin Conservatory

James Marron - University of Akron

Colin McGrath - Oberlin Conservatory

Joshua Millard - Oberlin Conservatory/University of Akron

Steven Sloan - University of Akron

Adam Tully - Oberlin Conservatory

Rami Vamos - Oberlin Conservatory

Danny Voris - University of Akron

Neil Zaza - University of Akron