Updated Schedule due to weather closing of campus

  • Preliminary round, Quarter-Final Sat (Feb 26) 10 am - 12 pm, Room 05
  • Second Round, Semi-Final 1:30-3:00 pm, Room 05
  • SoloDuo Master Class 3:30-5:30 pm, Room 05
  • Final Round, 8 p.m, Saturday, Feb. 26., Guzzetta Recital Hall
  • SoloDuo Concert, Sunday, Feb. 27, 3 p.m., Guzzetta Recital Hall

Hello and welcome to the James Stroud All-Ohio Classical Guitar Competition

In years past (winners gallery) only University of Akron students were eligible to compete in this event. I am happy to announce that for 2011 we will open the Competition up to all high school and college/conservatory/ university students currently enrolled in the state of Ohio. I hope to offer this event every second year, and create around the Competition a festival atmosphere to promote and celebrate the classical guitar. In keeping with the "festival" approach, I am pleased to announce that we will offer a vendor fair during the Festival weekend for luthiers, publishers and others whose businesses support the the greater classical guitar community.

It has always been a dream of mine to establish a scholarship that would help young guitarists pursue their dreams of a career as a professional guitarist. When I was a student, no such opportunity existed for me and my student colleagues, but it was obvious what a difference such prizes might make. It gives me great pleasure to now be able to offer these prizes to top classical guitar students throughout the state of Ohio. It is my hope that the finalists might use their winnings to help buy a new instrument or participate in a summer study program, but whatever they may do, it is my dream that this competition helps them accomplish their dreams.

In collaboration with Guitar Department Chair, Stephen Aron, the Guitar Club of Akron and the Kulas Foundation, we have planned a world-class event, featuring three extraordinary international guest artists to give recitals, teach master classes and judge the competition. Please come and enjoy-it should be a terrific weekend!

Sincerely,

James Stroud
MM, 1984 (Classical Guitar), The University of Akron     


Festival Activities

Concerts
  • Marco Sartor, of Uruguay: Fri., Feb. 25, 8pm
  • Competition Finals: Sat., Feb. 26, 8pm
  • SoloDuo (Lorenzo Micheli and Matteo Mela, of Italy): Sun., Feb. 27, 3pm
Master Classes
  • SoloDuo: Sat., Feb. 26, 2pm
  • Marco Sartor: Sun, Feb. 27, 11am
Trade Show
  • Sat., Feb. 26, 10am-6pm
  • Vendors, to be announced, will display instruments, recordings, scores and accessories in the Atrium of Guzzetta Hall

Competition Details - see weather related changes above

Dates/Times
  • Fri., Feb. 25, 2011, 4pm: Quarterfinal
  • Sat., Feb. 26, 2011, 10am: Semifinal
  • Sat., Feb. 26, 2011, 8pm: Final Round (public concert)
Location
  • The University of Akron
  • Preliminary rounds in a room to be announced
  • Final Round in Guzzetta Recital Hall
Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled in an Ohio high school, college or university at the time of the event, and may not be older than 30 on the first day of the competition (all birthdays must be after Feb 25, 1981).


Repertoire

Quarterfinal - Seven minutes playing time. Two contrasting works, one of which one must be by a composer born before 1880.

Semifinal - Ten minutes playing time. At least two contrasting works one of which one must be by a composer born before 1880. Material from the quarterfinal round may be repeated.

Final - Fifteen minutes playing time. At least two contrasting works one of which one must be by a composer born before 1880. Material from the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds may be repeated.

All material will be played by memory. Contestants will provide their own instruments and footstools or other such devices. Two heights of chairs will be provided. 


Entry Fees

Competition Entry $40
Master Class Performance $20


Prizes
  • First: $2000
  • Second: $1000
  • Third: $500
  • Fourth: $250

An awards ceremony and reception will follow the finals


Registration

Registration form: For payment by check, please use this address:

Stroud Guitar Competition c/o
Stephen Aron, Chair, Guitar Department
School of Music
University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325