Texas Guitar Competition & Festival

Texas Guitar Competition & Festival takes place in Dallas, TX (UT Dallas), USA. It is held every year, usually in March.

Programme & line-up

Workshops & masterclasses you can join

Masterclasses are offered by the festival's guest artists, which students attend as part of the three-day event. There is also a Youth Orchestra for young guitarists who wish to perform as part of the festival without competing, requiring registration.

Repertoire requirements

Free choice

• Preliminary (Video) · 10-15 min
  • Free choice program
• Semi-Final · 15-20 min
  • Free choice program
• Final · 20-25 min
  • Free choice recital

Official website

https://bass.utdallas.edu/events/guitar-festival/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Dallas

Dallas is a sprawling, dynamic metropolis, a hub of culture and commerce in northern Texas. While the city may be known for its modern skyline, diverse economy, and significant place in American history, it also hosts the annual Texas Guitar Competition & Festival. This event draws talented guitarists to a city that, despite its car-centric nature, offers a wealth of world-class museums, vibrant dining districts, and an eclectic musical heritage.

Getting there

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a major international gateway, serving as American Airlines' largest hub. The airport is roughly equidistant from Dallas and Fort Worth. From DFW, you can take a taxi, ride-share service like Uber or Lyft, or a shared-ride shuttle directly to your accommodation in Dallas; expect the journey to take about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Within Dallas itself, the DART light rail system provides connections to central neighborhoods like Downtown and Deep Ellum, but for wider regional travel, especially to surrounding areas like Fort Worth, a car or ride-share service is generally more convenient.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Dallas on Omio →

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

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Where to stay

For luxury accommodation and access to high-end dining and nightlife, consider staying in Uptown Dallas, Downtown Dallas, or the Las Colinas area of Irving. These districts offer modern hotels and are well-connected to the city's cultural attractions. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Fort Worth, with its walkable downtown and historic Stockyards district, presents an alternative, though it will require a longer commute to the competition venue in Dallas. Staying in Dallas proper, particularly in Uptown or Downtown, places you closer to museums, diverse restaurants, and the city's vibrant energy.

What you'll hear

The annual Texas Guitar Competition & Festival draws talented classical guitarists to Dallas, offering a platform for emerging artists. The competition features free choice repertoire across its rounds, providing a diverse program of solo guitar music. Attendees can expect to hear a wide range of works, from Baroque to contemporary, performed by some of the most promising young players in the classical guitar world.

Beyond the competition stage, Dallas boasts a rich and varied musical heritage, having been home to influential artists across genres. The city has produced talents such as Erykah Badu, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Chicks, Norah Jones, and St. Vincent, reflecting its eclectic cultural influences from both the American South and West. While not specifically tied to classical guitar, this vibrant musical backdrop adds another layer to the city's cultural tapestry, complementing the sounds of the competition.

The local table

Dallas offers a vast array of dining experiences, with some of the best restaurants, cafés, and nightlife found in districts like Uptown, Deep Ellum, and Bishop Arts. For a true taste of Texas, seek out the region's classic barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. Barbecue joints across the metroplex serve slow-smoked meats, while Tex-Mex establishments offer a fusion of Mexican and American flavors, often featuring dishes like enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos with a distinct Texas twist. These regional specialties are widely available and represent a cornerstone of the local culinary scene.

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

While you're there

Dallas is home to world-class museums, including those that delve into its pivotal role in American history, such as the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which chronicles the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Explore the city's diverse districts, from the posh, ultra-modern developments of Uptown and Victory to the vibrant arts and entertainment scene of Deep Ellum and the charming, independent boutiques and eateries of Bishop Arts. For a change of pace, consider a day trip to Fort Worth, approximately 30 to 45 minutes away by car or ride-share. There, you can wander the historic Stockyards National Historic District, experiencing a glimpse of the Old West with its cattle drives and rodeo shows, or explore its walkable downtown and cultural institutions. Dallas's unique blend of historical significance, modern urban development, and rich cultural offerings provides ample opportunities for exploration beyond the competition.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Dallas →

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 March: Concorso Emilio Pujol · Concorso Fernando Sor · Concours International de Guitare d'Antony · Concours International Roland Dyens · Guitar Art Festival Belgrade

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.

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