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.

Faculty

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Jonathan Leathwood

Teaching Associate Professor

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Laura Husbands

AHSS-N0n-Teaching Fac Adjunct; Adjunct Faculty

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Auditions

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are requiring recorded video auditions from all applicants as well as a live Zoom component.

Recorded Video Audition

Video recordings should be unedited, i.e. do not make cuts or edits in the middle of pieces. It is fine to record pieces separately. Use the best recording equipment you have on hand. Faculty will evaluate you on the quality of your performance and not on the audio/video quality.

This video should be uploaded through the Lamont application. Recordings received after January 15 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Live Zoom Interview

Applicants will preference their top two (2) dates for a live Zoom interview on the Lamont application.

The 2021 interview dates are January 30, February 6, and February 13.

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