The Guitar Department at California State University Northridge has enjoyed a reputation for excellence for the past forty years since its establishment by Professor Emeritus Ronald Purcell. It is considered to be one of the pre-eminent guitar departments in the Los Angeles area and is respected as a leader in the field throughout California and North America. . All students receive their instrumental training by highly trained faculty from the first semester of entrance. The environment amongst the study is competitive, yet highly supportive. A high standard of diligence and study of the instrument are encouraged and demanded by faculty and students alike. Music department graduates are gainfully employed in diverse positions throughout the world, including as teachers in public and private schools and colleges, practicing music therapists, conductors of orchestras and bands, published composers and arrangers, award-winning recording artists, performers in renowned opera companies, major symphony orchestras, recording studios and professional chamber ensembles, plus many graduates are involved with the entertainment industry in Southern California and elsewhere.