Competitors
Play. Perform. Shine.
Professional Competitors
We are excited for you to participate in The Guitar Studio International Festival and Competition! All video submissions are due by 11:59 pm Central Standard Time, November 15, 2026. To ensure authenticity, you must print off the Video Submission sign and display it behind or near you while filming your performance. Please submit your completed video via email to compete@theguitarstudiofoundation.org.
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Professional Competitors, ages 18 to 35, entering the competition will submit a 10-minute, single-camera, unedited video on a nylon string classical guitar for the preliminary round, accompanied by a $120 entry fee. If selected for the semifinal round, or if they choose to attend the event regardless, they can pay an additional $80 to participate in masterclasses, and attend workshops. All entry fees also include concert tickets, ensuring a full experience of the event. Full competition rules are available via the link below.
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Make sure your competition fee has been paid prior to submission. Unpaid entries will not be considered. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@theguitarstudiofoundation.org. We look forward to seeing your performance.
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Submission Deadline:
All video submissions are due by 11:59 pm Central Standard Time, November 15, 2026 -
Print and Display Requirement:
Please print the document in the link below and post it behind or near you while recording your unedited, single camera performance. Edited videos will automatically be disqualified. -
Submission Method:
Email one single-camera, unedited YouTube video submission to compete@theguitarstudiofoundation.org. -
Payment Requirement:
Ensure you have paid the competition fee before submitting your video. Unpaid submissions will not be reviewed. -
Questions or Help:
Contact us anytime at info@theguitarstudiofoundation.org.
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Youth Competitors
Youth competition will be broken into 2 divisions by age, Under 14 and 14-17. Youth competitors entering the competition will perform a 5-minute program on a nylon string classical guitar for the preliminary round on Friday, January 15, 2027 in person at the Van Cliburn Concert Hall accompanied by a $80 entry fee. 15 competitors will be selected from each division for the semifinal round and judging will be held in person at the Van Cliburn Concert Hall, Saturday, January 16. To participate in the full festival competitors can pay an additional $80 to play masterclasses and attend workshops. All entry fees also include concert tickets, ensuring a full experience of the event. Full competition details in the link below.
Competitor Packages
You may choose to join as a participant or a non-participant. Regardless of your choice, all applicants must complete a video submission and pay the non-participant fee to be considered. If you are selected as a participant, you will have the option to pay the participant fee upon acceptance into the semifinal round.
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Competitor + Full Festival
Participants will need to make sure they have followed the video submission rules and get to participate with hands-on-learning experience in the classes and workshops offered throughout the three-day period, as well as attend all concerts at The Guitar Studio International Festival and Competition.
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Competitor Only
Non-participant competitors covers their competition registration fee and concert attendance. It does not include the classes and workshops. If you wish to participate in the festival you can pay the additional $80 to join masterclasses, concerts and workshops.
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Competitor + Full Festival
Competitor Only
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Youth
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$160
$80
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Adult
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$200
$120
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Packages
All packages include a festival pass (Friday-Sunday), which provides full access to audit and/or participate in all master classes, workshops, as well as tickets to all concerts.
Venue
Artists & Bios
