University of Arizona Guitar Studies

David Russell Prize 2026
Amazing performances by our finalists! Congratulations!!
Thanks to all our donors for making this possible every year!

As the first activity of the semester, in January we had master classes with Maestro Joaquín Clerch! Thank you so much!

🎸 12th Annual David Russell Prize
Guitar Competition
One of Tucson’s greatest musical traditions returns with the 12th Annual David Russell Prize, featuring top Bolton Guitar Studies students in performance and competition. This prestigious event celebrates the enduring residency of Grammy Award–winning guitarist David Russell at the University of Arizona School of Music, honoring the legacy of Sandy and Phyllis Bolton.
The program centers on the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, alongside works recorded or arranged by David Russell himself. Russell will judge the final round, guiding students through a repertoire that is emotionally, intellectually, and technically demanding.
📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 Holsclaw Hall, 1017 N. Olive Road
🎟️ Free admission | Open to the public
📺 Livestream: music.arizona.edu/live

Yesterday we had the honor of hosting the luthier, professor, and founder of Altamira guitars, who spoke to us about “The Code of Timbre.”
We are deeply grateful for everything he shared in a motivating talk, especially for the students of our guitar program!!

Don’t Miss Out! 🎁 Guitar Giveaway & Expert Q&A
We’re bringing more than just knowledge to the University of Arizona!
Distinguished Professor and Luthier Hanson Yao is hosting a special lecture on ”The Code of Timbre.“ But that’s not all:
✅ Every attendee has a chance to win exclusive Altamira giveaways!
✅ Live Trouble-shooting: Struggling with a technical issue on your guitar? Bring it in! Hanson will offer on-the-spot advice to solve your guitar-related puzzles.

Explore the evolution of 21st-century guitar design through the lens of a master maker.

🗓 Jan 20th, 5:00 PM @ Slonaker House
🆓 Admission is Free!

Good idea

He might just be our new favourite actor… 🎬🎶

Nicolas Cage was born Nicolas Coppola, the nephew of acclaimed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. Early in his career, he appeared in some of his uncle’s films, but he adopted the stage name Nicolas Cage to avoid the appearance of nepotism and to establish his own identity. The name is a double homage to both avant-garde composer John Cage and Marvel superhero Luke Cage (Power Man).

Ligita 2025: What a wonderful memories of journey! 🌟
Huge gratitude to Professor Thomas Patterson for his guidance. He combines kindness and patience with incredible teaching efficiency. His energy for all different students and styles of music is absolutely contagious.
Can’t wait to see what 2026 brings! 🔜 🇱🇮🇨🇭

Join us tomorrow at 5pm in Holsclaw Hall for the 2025 Beeston Competition Finals! The program includes works by Tarrega, Barrios, Bach, Ginastera, Jose, Scarlatti and Turina. Not to be missed!🤩
$free admission

Tucson Guitar Society
The University of Arizona School of Music
The University of Arizona

Join us in supporting our students for the 2025 Thomas Beeston Competition next week. 🏆🎶
The Semifinal round is on Monday, November 3rd starting at 11am, and the Final round on Sunday, November 9th at 5pm. Both events are in Holsclaw Hall with $free admission.

Thank you to our judges, our sponsors and donors and everyone involved in the organization of this event!🤩🙏

Connor Guitars
Knobloch Strings
Tucson Guitar Society
The University of Arizona School of Music
The University of Arizona

Don’t just play the notes — tell a story. Make the guitar speak. “Romanze by J.K. Mertz” – Tom & Wenqiu | A truly inspiring Friday masterclass 1. Fingers have personalities – train them like characters in a story 2. Practice slow, focused, and playful (even dramatic) 3. Great tone comes from small details and big control 4. Let your ears lead, and let the music breathe 5. Perform like you’re on national TV – even in your room Big thanks to Wenqiu for her dedication and focus — this is a challenging piece, and she’s learning it fast with impressive attention to detail. The magic of Tom’s teaching wasn’t just in the technique, but in how he made music feel like a living, breathing conversation. He turned dry mechanics into an exciting journey of discovery.🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳