Lamont’s guitar studio is invested in developing well-rounded musicians in a rigorous, encouraging environment.
Guitarists at Lamont study with award-winning artists Jonathan Leathwood and Laura Husbands. Professor Leathwood is one of the few guitarists to perform on six-string and ten-string guitars, mixing modern and traditional works in his innovative programs. He is an internationally certified teacher of the Alexander Technique and editor of Soundboard Scholar, the only peer-reviewed journal of guitar scholarship in English. Professor Husbands has won top prizes in 11 international competitions and has quickly become a sought-after performer and teacher. She is the artistic director of the Denver Guitar Festival and Competition, which brings internationally known artists to Lamont every year.
Auditions
Applicants may choose to either audition in person in Denver OR submit a recorded video audition.
Applications received after January 15 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You may indicate your preference for a live or virtual audition on the Lamont application.
Click here to view the current year’s audition dates and the full steps for how to apply.
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In-Person Audition Requirements
All auditions are approximately 15 minutes in length. The applicant will choose one of their prepared works to perform. The faculty will choose the second of the prepared works and possibly an additional work as well.
Undergraduate (BM, BA, and Minor)
- Three contrasting works of your own selection, demonstrating your technical and musical maturity. A typical program might be a dance movement by Bach, a nineteenth-century study (by Aguado, Carcassi, Giuliani, Sor, or similar), and a modern piece. You are welcome to include one of your own compositions or arrangements in your program.
- One three-octave major and one three-octave melodic minor scale of your choice
Graduate (MM and certificate in performance)
- Three contrasting works of your own selection, demonstrating your technical and musical maturity. A typical program might be a fugue or longer prelude by Bach; a substantial nineteenth-century work, such as a variation set, concerto rondo, or sonata movement; and a substantial romantic or modern work. You are welcome to include one of your own compositions or arrangements in your program. Students interested in the Newman Fellowship for master’s students should check the submission requirements here.
- Major and melodic minor scales in all keys, in three octaves where possible
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Video Audition Requirements
Applicants unable to travel to Denver for a live audition may submit a video audition via the Lamont application. Repertoire may be recorded separately in multiple takes; editing within each take is prohibited.
Undergraduate (BM, BA, and Minor)
- Three contrasting works of your own selection, demonstrating your technical and musical maturity. A typical program might be a dance movement by Bach, a nineteenth-century study (by Aguado, Carcassi, Giuliani, Sor, or similar), and a modern piece. You are welcome to include one of your own compositions or arrangements in your program.
- One three-octave major and one three-octave melodic minor scale of your choice
Graduate (MM and certificate in performance)
- Three contrasting works of your own selection, demonstrating your technical and musical maturity. A typical program might be a fugue or longer prelude by Bach; a substantial nineteenth-century work, such as a variation set, concerto rondo, or sonata movement; and a substantial romantic or modern work. You are welcome to include one of your own compositions or arrangements in your program. Students interested in the Newman Fellowship for master’s students should check the submission requirements here.
- Major and melodic minor scales in all keys, in three octaves where possible
Review Requirements for Artist Diploma
Faculty
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Jonathan Leathwood.
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Laura Husbands, guitar.
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Guest artists, the LA Guitar Quartet.
