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
