Course Descriptions
Technique Lab – The Secret Sauce to Playing Like a Pro
Want to play cleaner, faster, and more relaxed? Who doesn't? Join Guitarlab Faculty Bo, Jaxon, and Marco as they pull back the curtain on their top technique secrets, favorite warm-ups, and game-changing exercises in an engaging, play-along-style workshop. This is more than just a collection of tips—it’s your blueprint for effortless, powerful playing.
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Composition & Arrangement Lab – Unleash Your Inner Composer
What feels as good as performing great music? Creating it. Composer and arranger Kamran Alan Shikoh is here to lead you through an intensive, hands-on, and wildly creative journey into arranging and composing for classical guitar. Whether you're dipping your toes into composition for the first time or looking to refine your artistic voice, this lab will get your hands (and mind) working in the best way possible. By the end, you’ll have crafted your own piece—because every guitarist should know how to transcribe, arrange, and compose. No prior experience? No problem. Just bring curiosity, an open mind, and your guitar.
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Excellent Excerpts – A Speedrun Through Guitar’s Greatest Hits
Ever feel like there’s so much great classical guitar music but you don’t know where to start? Bo is here to fix that. In this hands-on, play-through-style class, you’ll discover both the hidden gems and the all-time classics of the repertoire, getting to know the music by actually playing it—because there’s no better way to learn! Along the way, you’ll pick up fun historical tidbits, unravel technical challenges, and leave with an upgraded appreciation for the music that defines our instrument.
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Competition Workshop – Train Like a Champion
Want to know what it takes to dominate the classical guitar competition scene? Look no further than Leonela Alejandro, the 2024 GFA champion and all-around force of nature. In this no-holds-barred workshop, she’ll share her winning strategies, programming insights, and high-stakes performance mindset to help you elevate your playing to competition level. Whether you dream of taking home prizes or just want to push yourself to new heights, this workshop will show you how to train like a pro. Oh, and we’ll also have a candid discussion about when and why competitions aren’t the answer—because music is about more than just rankings.
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Sight Reading Lab – Think Fast, Play Faster
Back by popular demand, the Guitarlab Sight Reading System is here to whip your skills into shape! This isn’t your average “stumble through sheet music” session. We break sight reading into specific components, helping you pinpoint and obliterate weaknesses so you can read fluently, confidently, and musically. Expect a highly interactive, slightly nerve-wracking, but ultimately rewarding experience. Yes, you might get called on. Yes, it will make you better.
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Improvisation Workshop – Play From the Soul
Improvisation isn’t just for jazz musicians—it’s an essential skill for all guitarists. And no one teaches it better than Aliéksey Vianna, a world-class guitarist whose research into unaccompanied improvisation has redefined what’s possible on the instrument. With first-prize competition wins, collaborations with legendary artists, and research supervised by Dusan Bogdanovic, Aliéksey brings a one-of-a-kind perspective to this workshop. Expect an eye-opening experience that will make you rethink your approach to music, performance, and self-expression. Warning: This workshop may permanently change the way you hear and play music.
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Trivia Showdown – Are You a True Guitar Nerd?
It’s time to put your classical guitar knowledge to the test—in the most fun way possible! Join the Guitarlab faculty and guest artists for a lighthearted but fiercely competitive trivia showdown, covering everything from guitar history and famous figures to obscure technical facts that only the nerdiest of guitar nerds would know. Bragging rights are on the line! Do you have what it takes to claim victory?
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Masterclass with Marko Topchii – A Master Among Masters
When it comes to winning competitions, blazing speed, and mind-blowing interpretations, Marko Topchii is in a league of his own. He’s the winningest guitarist on the competition circuit, and he’s back for another round of masterclasses with top students at the Summer Virtuoso Intensive. Whether you’re in the hot seat or watching from the sidelines, this class is a rare opportunity to see a master in action—and to absorb game-changing insights that will reshape your approach to the guitar.
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Zoom Hang – The Ultimate Virtual Guitar Hangout
A fan-favorite event for a reason! After a full day of brain-melting learning, unwind in this casual, unfiltered, and often hilarious group hangout. Expect controversial opinions, hot-seat artist Q&As, guitar guessing games, and deep conversations that spiral into unexpected places. If you love talking guitar, music, and everything in between, this is where you’ll make some of the best memories of the Intensive.
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Office Hour – Ask Anything, Get Answers
New this year! Think of Office Hour as a cross between a private lesson, a mentorship session, and an AMA with your favorite faculty. Have a burning technique question? Need career advice? Want feedback on your playing? This is your chance for one-on-one time with Guitarlab Faculty to get real, personalized guidance on anything that’s on your mind. Whether you need help refining your sound, choosing repertoire, or figuring out your next steps as a guitarist, this is the place to get answers that actually matter.
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Five Pieces You Didn’t Know Were Written for Segovia – A Music History Deep Dive
Andrés Segovia’s influence on classical guitar repertoire is legendary, but did you know that some of the pieces you’ve played (or heard) were actually written specifically for him? In this fascinating music history workshop, classical guitar scholar Chandler Dillingham will uncover five surprising works that were commissioned by, dedicated to, or directly inspired by Segovia.
Through historical context, composer insights, and musical analysis, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how Segovia shaped the modern guitar repertoire—sometimes in ways we don’t immediately recognize. Was the maestro’s influence always beneficial? Did some composers push against his stylistic preferences? Join us as we explore these hidden gems, unravel their stories, and listen to (or play through) key excerpts. Whether you're a history buff, a repertoire enthusiast, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this session is sure to challenge what you thought you knew about Segovia’s impact on the instrument.