Queens University of Charlotte Guitar Symposium is a guitar festival in Charlotte, NC, USA. It is held every year, usually in January.

Location: Charlotte, NC, USA
Type: Festival
Most recent edition: 30 January 2026 – 1 February 2026
Next edition: Usually each January — dates to be announced
Frequency: annual
Eligibility / age: Youth Division: Open to classical guitarists of all ages who have not completed a High School Degree or equivalent such as GED as of the first day of competition. Collegiate Division: Open to all classical guitarists not represented by professional management. There is no age limit.
Entry fee: $100.00
Tickets: Flat festival fee of $100.00 includes all activities (concert admission, masterclasses, lectures, and the competition). Individual concert tickets at the door: $20.00/General Admission, $5.00 with valid student ID, Free for Queens students.

Prizes: 1stYouth Division: $300.00 · $200.00 · $100.00 · $75.00
1stAltamira complimentary prizes for all placement levels, D’Addario strings for all placement levels, Strings by Mail gift cards for all placement levels. Collegiate Division: $1000.00 · $500.00 · $250.00 · $100.00
Altamira complimentary prizes for all placement levels, D'Addario strings for all placement levels, Strings by Mail gift cards for all placement levels.
Special prizes: Collegiate Division Special Prize: An Altamira guitar, Vienna · Stauffer model, will be awarded for the best interpretation of romantic guitar work.

Add to Google Calendar Apple / Outlook (.ics)

Repertoire requirements

Youth Division: Two rounds, each free choice. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty. 1st Round: 5 Minutes, Final Round: 7 Minutes. Competitor’s choice of music must fit within the time allowed. Collegiate Division: All music must be played on a classical guitar with nylon strings; no electronic amplification is permitted. Two rounds, each free choice. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty. Preliminary Round: 10 Minutes, Final Round: 15 Minutes. Competitor’s choice of music must fit within the time allowed.

Browse the full repertoire database →

Official website

https://www.quguitarsymposium.com/

Planning to go?

See this festival alongside every other guitar event on the calendar and map.

Open the calendar & map

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Charlotte

Charlotte, a rapidly growing and ambitious city in North Carolina's southern Piedmont, hosts the annual Queens University of Charlotte Guitar Symposium. This event draws classical guitarists to a city known as a financial powerhouse and a dynamic hub of the New South. While attending the symposium, visitors can explore a city that has transformed from a historical textile center into a modern urban landscape with a burgeoning cultural scene.

Getting there

The primary gateway to Charlotte is Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), a major hub with extensive connections across the United States and internationally. From the airport, various ground transportation options, including taxis, rideshares, and shuttle services, are available to reach Queens University and other parts of the city. Charlotte is largely a car-centric city, but its central core is becoming increasingly visitor-friendly, with many attractions accessible once you've arrived at your accommodation.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Charlotte on Omio →

USA uses Type A/B sockets, so pack a travel adapter for your tuner and chargers.

These open third-party sites in a new tab. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay

Charlotte's central core, often referred to as Uptown, is one of the most visitor-friendly districts and an ideal base for attending the symposium. Here, you will find a range of hotels catering to different budgets, placing you within easy reach of the university and many of the city's key attractions. Staying in Uptown allows for convenient access to dining, museums, and entertainment options, reflecting Charlotte's rapid urban development.

What you'll hear

The Queens University of Charlotte Guitar Symposium features competitions across Youth and Collegiate Divisions. Competitors in both divisions perform free choice repertoire in two rounds, with specific time limits: five minutes for the first round and seven minutes for the final round in the Youth Division, and ten minutes for the preliminary round and fifteen minutes for the final round in the Collegiate Division. All music must be played on a classical guitar with nylon strings, without electronic amplification. Prizes include monetary awards, complimentary items from Altamira, D'Addario strings, and Strings by Mail gift cards.

While Charlotte may not boast a specific historical tie to a classical guitar composer, the city's rapid growth has fostered a dynamic and expanding arts scene. It is home to institutions such as the Charlotte Ballet, Children's Theatre of Charlotte, and several prominent museums including the Mint Museum and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. This vibrant cultural landscape provides a welcoming environment for events like the guitar symposium, reflecting Charlotte's commitment to diverse artistic expression as it continues to develop as a major Southern city.

The local table

Charlotte's culinary landscape mirrors its rapid expansion and diverse population, offering a wide array of dining experiences. As a leading city in the New South, you can find everything from sophisticated modern American restaurants to casual eateries and international cuisine. The city's chefs often focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and various vibrant restaurant districts provide ample choices for every palate. While no single, iconic dish defines Charlotte from the sources, the city's food scene is dynamic and constantly evolving.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Charlotte →

While you're there

Between symposium events, Charlotte offers a range of attractions. Explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which celebrates the history of stock car racing, or visit the Mint Museum, the oldest art museum in North Carolina. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art provide further cultural enrichment. For those interested in history, the Levine Museum of the New South chronicles the region's post-Civil War transformation, while the Charlotte Museum of History delves into local heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts can find adventure at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, offering rafting, kayaking, and zip-lining. The Billy Graham Library is another significant site for visitors.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Charlotte →

Need a place to stay?

Compare hotels and apartments near Charlotte, NC for your dates.

Loads a third-party booking map (Stay22) only when you choose. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

This map centers on Charlotte in general, so the venue may be elsewhere in town. Check the competition's official website before booking.

More guitar events in USA: Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition · Austin Classical Guitar Composition Competition · Boston GuitarFest Academy Competition · Brevard Classical Guitar Institute · Denver Guitar Festival - Tuason Competition · ECU Guitar Festival and Workshop

Also in January: Quebec Music Competition - Guitar

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

← All competitions & festivals