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Guitar

Our classical guitar program is dedicated to attracting accomplished students from across the country as well as talented South Carolina residents and providing them with superior training as performers and teachers.

University of South Carolina School of Music guitar students and recent graduates have distinguished themselves as recipients of major grants and awards, Emmy nominations, artists-in-residence for Southern arts commissions, soloists with regional symphony orchestras and faculty members at U.S. universities, colleges and conservatories.

Our students have also been named winners and finalists in major national and regional competitions like MTNA Collegiate Artist Auditions, Society of American Musicians Young Artist Competition, Augusta Symphony Paganini Competition and South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra Young Artist Competition.

USC guitar students have had the opportunity to perform with guest artists, such as Sharon Isbin, Nikita Koshkin, Eliot Fisk, David Russell, William Kanengiser, Benjamin Verdery and Michael Lorimer.

We offer three degree programs in classical guitar: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts.

In addition to applied study, courses are offered in:

  • Guitar Literature
  • Guitar Pedagogy
  • Performance
  • Ensemble - The guitar ensemble (1 credit) prepares and performs in trio, quartet and larger groups, performing regularly throughout the state, most recently at Spoleto Festival USA.

Resources and opportunities

The Music Library has substantial holdings of guitar and lute music that grow every year. Local interest in classical guitar is high and assures additional performance and teaching opportunities for qualified advanced students.

Guitar Faculty



Guitar Events

James West Doctoral Guitar Recital

Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: FREE

Trio Calvacade Guest Artist Recital

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: FREE

Addison Perkins Doctoral Recital

Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: FREE

Landon Osteen Doctoral Guitar Recital

Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: FREE

View the Calendar

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