Certified Professional Guitarist (CPG)

The Certified Professional Guitarist Course offers a combined learning approach that incorporates written and illustrated explanations, video and audio demonstrations, and backing tracks for you to play along with, whether you are taking your first steps in learning to play the guitar or returning to the instrument after a previous attempt.

Learn the anatomy of your guitar as well as essential techniques for holding the instrument, playing notes, and using a pick/plectrum or fingers.

You’ll learn how to read tablature (tab), standard notation, rhythm notation, and strum on the guitar. You’ll also learn essential, commonly used major and minor chords, as well as some simple versions of much trickier chords and useful chord transition tricks.

Certification Program Objectives:

  • Follow along with written and illustrated explanations, video and audio demonstrations, and background tracks.
  • Learn how to hold and play the guitar correctly.
  • Learn to read guitar tablature and notation.
  • Composition and chord playing practice
  • Investigate beginner, intermediate, and advanced guitar techniques.
  • Learn how to improvise guitar solos.

Certification Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree

And/or

  • 2 – 5 years of relevant work experience

Certifying Examination:

  • To be certified as CPG, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIPC.
  • The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
  • Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

Module 1: The Basic Concepts
Module 2: Chord College
Module 3: Barre Chords and the CAGED System
Module 4: Spotlight on Soloing
Module 5: Rhythm Guitar Techniques and Grooves
Module 6: Advanced Music Theory for Guitarists

* The modules of the certification are constantly updated and are subject to change.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The Certified Professional Guitarist (CPG) certification is meticulously designed for individuals who harbor a deep passion for music and aspire to master the art of guitar playing. Whether you’re a budding musician, an experienced guitarist, or someone captivated by the transformative power of music, this certification offers a comprehensive exploration of guitar techniques, theory, and performance, empowering you to unleash your musical potential and captivate audiences with your skills.

  • Musicians and Guitar Enthusiasts: If you find solace in the strumming of strings and the melodies they create, the CPG certification provides a structured pathway to enhance your guitar skills and broaden your musical horizons. Whether you’re drawn to acoustic fingerstyle, electric blues, or shredding metal riffs, this certification equips you with the technical proficiency and creative inspiration to express yourself authentically through the guitar.
  • Music Educators and Instructors: Educators passionate about sharing their love for music and nurturing the talents of aspiring musicians will find the CPG certification to be an invaluable resource. It offers a comprehensive curriculum, teaching methodologies, and repertoire suggestions to enhance teaching effectiveness and inspire students to develop a lifelong love for playing the guitar.
  • Performing Artists and Session Musicians: For professional musicians seeking to elevate their performance skills and expand their repertoire, the CPG certification offers advanced techniques and performance strategies to excel on stage and in the studio. Whether you’re performing solo, accompanying other musicians, or recording session tracks, this certification provides the tools and insights to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression with your musical prowess.
  • Songwriters and Composers: Creatives who channel their emotions and experiences into songwriting and composition can enhance their craft with the CPG certification. It offers insights into chord progressions, harmonization techniques, and melodic improvisation, enabling you to craft compelling compositions and arrangements that resonate with listeners and evoke powerful emotions through music.
  • Music Therapy Practitioners: Therapists, counselors, and healthcare professionals incorporating music therapy into their practice can harness the healing power of the guitar with the CPG certification. It offers guidance on using music to promote relaxation, emotional expression, and social connection, empowering you to create therapeutic interventions that address the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of clients through guitar playing and music making.
  • Music Industry Professionals: Professionals working in the music industry, including producers, engineers, and A&R representatives, can benefit from the CPG certification to deepen their understanding of guitar techniques and performance practices. Whether you’re involved in artist development, recording production, or talent scouting, this certification enhances your ability to identify and nurture exceptional guitar talent and contribute to the success of artists and musical projects.

Whether you’re an aspiring guitarist, an experienced musician, or a music educator dedicated to nurturing talent, the Certified Professional Guitarist (CPG) certification invites you to embark on a transformative journey of musical discovery, creativity, and mastery in the timeless art of guitar playing.