Guitar Studio

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 also a certificated teacher of the Alexander Technique. Professor Husbands has won top prizes in 11 international competitions and has quickly become a sought-after performer and teacher.

Live Audition

Applicants will preference their top two (2) audition dates for a live audition in Denver on the Lamont application. All auditions are approximately 20 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.
Applicants Unable to Travel to Denver

While Lamont faculty prefer to have applicants audition on campus, those unable to travel to Denver for a live audition may submit an unedited video audition in lieu of the on-campus audition. Recordings received after January 15 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This video should be uploaded through the Lamont application.

Audition Requirements

Undergraduate (BM and BA)

Allemande and Bourrée from Johann Sebastian Bach's Lute Suite in E minor BWV 996. Any good edition is acceptable; one suitable edition is J. S. Bach, The Solo Lute Works, ed. Frank Koonce (2nd ed., San Diego 2002: Neil A. Kjos Music Company). If you are unable to prepare these pieces for any reason, contact the Chair of Guitar and Harp ahead of your audition to discuss a suitable alternative: jonathan.leathwood@du.edu.
One study from the following:
- Fernando Sor, 12 Studies, op. 6: nos. 1, 2, 8
- Fernando Sor, 24 Progressive Lessons, op. 31: nos. 16, 19, 20, 21
- Fernando Sor, 24 Easy Exercises, op. 35: nos. 13, 17, 22
- Matteo Carcassi, 25 Etudes Mélodiques et Progressives, op. 60: nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 13, 16, 17
One work of your own selection, demonstrating your technical and musical maturity
One three-octave major and one three-octave melodic minor scale of your choice
Sight reading, to be selected at the audition

Undergraduate (Minor)

One study from the following:
- Fernando Sor, 12 Studies, op. 6: nos. 1, 2, 8
- Fernando Sor, 24 Progressive Lessons, op. 31: nos. 16, 19, 20, 21
- Fernando Sor, 24 Easy Exercises, op. 35: nos. 13, 17, 22
- Matteo Carcassi, 25 Etudes Mélodiques et Progressives, Op. 60: nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 13 16, 17
Two contrasting works of your own selection, demonstrating your technical and musical maturity
One three-octave major and one three-octave melodic minor scale of your choice

Graduate (MM and certificate in performance)

One movement from J. S. Bach's solo lute, violin, or cello sonatas, suites, or partitas (excluding the Allemande and Bourrée from the Lute Suite in E minor, BWV 996)
Two solo pieces of your choice, different in character and style, demonstrating your technical and musical maturity
Major and melodic minor scales in all keys, in three octaves where possible; one major and one minor scale will be requested by the auditioning panel
Sight reading, to be selected at the audition