Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine post-graduate thesis completed on guitar in Turkey. For this purpose, a total of 89 theses were investigated in terms of selected research topics, study participants, and methods for analysis. For the selection of the thesis included in this study three criteria were used; first, theses from 1990 (beginning time for first completed theses on guitar topic) to 2013 period, second, reaching the full text of theses, and third permission of author. The number of thesis investigated in this study represents about 93% (105 at total) of whole completed theses from different institutions in Turkey. Descriptive survey and content analysis method were used for examination of theses. The results of study showed that while selected theses topics reflect more diversity and school related issues at Faculty of Educations (using guitar at school music, teaching methods, etc.), the piece analysis from different compositors was mostly selected study topic at Conservatories and  the Fine Art Faculties which parallel to institutions mission. As a conclusion, there are some summarized results and recommendations for upcoming researches on this guitar or guitar education in the light of completed theses and related research literature.

Key words: Graduate theses, guitar, music, guitar education, descriptive content analysis.