Of course, I spend a good deal of my time teaching at Fullerton College. I joined the faculty in 1999 and have found this to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am, of course, entirely biased, but the program offered to aspiring guitarists at Fullerton College is outstanding. In addition to 15 sections of non-major guitar classes, which include Beginning Guitar, Intermediate Guitar, Intermediate Rock Guitar and other classes. I am joined by a Guitar Faculty that would be the envy of any University. All of our instructors have Masters Degrees and several have Doctorates.

For Guitar Majors, courses are offered in Classical Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Guitar Reading Ensemble, Advanced Guitar Ensemble, as well as private lessons. There are two big bands and four combos that provide invaluable playing experience for the more advanced guitarists. Guitar majors at FC have successfully transferred to Berklee College of Music, USC, Cal State Fullerton and many other Universities. Again, although I am completely biased, I believe that our program at FC can provide guitar education that is on par with that of most Universities at an extremely favorable cost and in an intimate and enthusiastic environment. We host one of the largest College Jazz Festivals in the country, where several thousand students gather in April for a weekend of competition, classes and concerts. For details on the Fullerton Music Department, click here.

Fullerton College offers a unique articulation agreement with the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Students who complete the Berklee Transfer Program at Fullerton College are guaranteed acceptance to Berklee at junior status. There are many other reciprocal benefits for FC students. This year will be the second year that Berklee in LA will be held at Fullerton College. Berklee is a Mecca for guitar education and might be seen as the most advanced vocational training for the contemporary guitarist. The curriculum is highly developed and very progressive. I cannot recommend Berklee highly enough for advanced guitar study.

In contrast, the University of Southern California accepts far fewer guitar students than does Berklee. I completed my Doctorate in Jazz Guitar at USC and the experience was fantastic. Classes are small and the faculty is without peer. The work is tough but the rewards are great. Along with the Jazz Guitar faculty, guitar students have the opportunity to interact with one of the finest Classical Guitar Faculties in this solar system. I must also mention that the Theory, History, and Music Industry programs are extraordinary.

I suggest that all serious students of guitar carefully examine the programs of these two fine schools to advance their guitar study (after completing their study at Fullerton College, of course.) More information on each of these programs can be found by following the links, or I would be glad to discuss options with you if you contact me at joe@joejewellguitar.com.