University of Arizona Guitar Studies

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Tucson, AZ
University of Arizona Guitar Studies

The next generation of fine guitarists
Head of the Guitar Department: Tom Patterson. BM, MM, DMA, PhD Let's all say THANK YOU, SANDY!

Led by professor Tom Patterson, the guitar department at the University of Arizona in Tucson is known for being of the top guitar programs in the nation. It is host to many successful students who have placed in some of the top competitions in the U.S including the Guitar Foundation of America competition and abroad, like the Tarrega and Alhambra
Competitions. The UofA Guitar Department is proud

to host internationally acclaimed artists Sergio and Odair Assad and David Russell as artists in residence who are able to provide concerts and master classes to our talented guitar majors. The guitar department also hosts 4 in house competitions: The Beeston Memorial Competition and the Sholin Memorial Competitions for the entire department, including graduate and doctoral students and the Wolfe Memorial and Schaffer Memorial Competitions for undergrads only. Just recently Sandy Bolton, one of our longtime supporters has just made an incredibly generous donation. http://www.uafoundation.org/impact/articles/article_00078.shtml

http://guitar.arizona.edu/

06/28/2026

We’re excited to share our experience at the Bolton Guitar Studies summer camp at the School of Music. Thanks to the University of Arizona String Project for making this possible and to the Tucson Guitar Society for their support to the community!

Link to the final concert ➡️https://youtu.be/MTIhlf85zTc?is=s18TXP48rvRS1Dj6

You can also find it in our bio!!

02/08/2026

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

02/04/2026

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

01/26/2026

🎸 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

01/21/2026

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!!

01/18/2026

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!

01/10/2026

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).

01/07/2026

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! 🔜 🇱🇮🇨🇭

Address

1017 N Olive Road
Tucson, AZ
85721

Website

http://guitar.arizona.edu/

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