Lamont offers an exceptional environment for guitarists, combining individualized instruction with world-class resources and performance opportunities. Our studio is vibrant and collaborative, where guitarists challenge and support one another in pursuit of artistic excellence. Guided by Professors Jonathan Leathwood and Laura Husbands, students engage in intensive private lessons, chamber music, performance class, large ensembles, and masterclasses with renowned guest artists. In Lamont’s guitar studio, students celebrate each other’s successes and push one another to reach new artistic heights.
Audition Requirements
6-14 guitar students at Lamont
Over 3 ensembles to participate in each quarter
300+ performance opportunities per 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
Life After Lamont
Notable Guitar Alumni
Lamont students have worked with some of the most prestigious music organizations in the world. Alumni have performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Philadelphia Orchestra, Wolf Trap, Vancouver Symphony, Broadway, the West End, and San Francisco Opera. Lamont composers have premiered works at Carnegie Hall and the Monterey Jazz Festival, and conductors have led orchestras from Brazil to Hungary. Graduates of our Musicology and music theory programs hold posts at prestigious institutions nationwide. And our recording and production students have launched careers in Hollywood, editing soundtracks for films like Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Hao Yang - MM 2024
Koblenz International Guitar Competition winner
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Zachary Larson - MM 2016
Broadway musician in shows like Chicago, Titaníque, Escape to Margaritaville
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Daniel Olszewski - PC 2020
The Guitar Across the World and El Tanguero recital series
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Laura Husbands, guitar.
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Guest artists, the LA Guitar Quartet.
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Jonathan Leathwood.
