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.

Auditions

Applicants may choose to either audition in person in Denver OR submit a recorded video audition and complete a Zoom interview.

Click here for the full steps for how to apply. Applications received after January 15, 2022 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Live Audition

Applicants will preference their top two (2) audition dates for a live audition on the Lamont application. The 2022 audition dates are January 29, February 5, and February 12. 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.

Recorded Video Audition & Zoom Interview

Applicants unable to travel to Denver for a live audition may submit an unedited video audition via the Lamont application AND will complete a live Zoom interview. The 20-minute interview will consist of a Q&A only. You will not be asked to perform. Applicants will preference their top two (2) dates for the Zoom interview on the Lamont application, choosing from January 29, February 5, and February 12.

Audition Repertoire 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

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

Review requirements for Artist Diploma

View Jazz Guitar Requirements