UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
URI GUITAR FESTIVAL 2023
OCTOBER 18–22
RHODY GUITAR PROGRAM
Guitarists ages 17 and older may sign up to receive world-class masterclass instruction by guest artists and attend special topics workshops and lectures. Active participants will receive two masterclasses and have access to all festival concerts, activities, and meals. Auditors have access to all festival concerts, activities, and meals. Available in-person and online.
Sign Up Here
MANDOLIN WORKSHOP
EXCELLENCE IN MANDOLIN PERFORMANCE
Intensive course led by Jacob Reuven
International concert artist and mandolin soloist Jacob Reuven will lead a 5-day course centered around classical mandolin performance. Reuven's artistic approach has created a worldwide artistic paradigm for mandolin playing. Based on his deep familiarity with violin repertoire, as well as actual performance and recording of masterpieces for violin on mandolin, Reuven has established a global reputation and created an artistic line that today brings forth a young generation of musicians to continue his artistic approach.
Furthermore, Reuven plays on a revolutionary double-decker mandolin built by luthier Arik Kerman, a model which has now inspired a new generation of luthiers around the world.
Reuven's Israeli school of mandolin playing is recognized around the world as creating successful Israeli soloists that not only win international competitions, but sign with national recording companies, and regularly perform with important orchestras around the world. This success is directly related to Reuven's methodical and artistic approach, as well as to his instrument, which was built specifically for performing violin repertoire.
"At the University of Rhode Island, as part of the international URI Guitar Festival, a festival that has become a musical family for me, I am founding a course that is entirely dedicated to excellence in mandolin performance. Musical knowledge, artistic depth, the discipline of being an instrumentalist - these are forces of beauty that we will cultivate during this course at URI.” — Jacob Reuven
Throughout the course, private lessons will be offered to explore violin repertoire on the mandolin. In addition to the lessons, lectures will be offered on the following topics:
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The Paganini Caprices arranged for mandolin. The approach, the technique, the vision.
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Violin concerti with orchestra translated to the mandolin.
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Daily technique training including scales, etudes, and tuning methods.
RISING STARS YOUNG GUITARIST'S PROGRAM
Guitarists ages 6-16 may sign up to receive fun and inclusive guitar technique and musicianship training. The program will focus on ensemble playing and will culminate in an end-of-course student recital. Program coordinator is Victor Main. Faculty include Ceili Connors, Jim Davidson, and Catherine O’ Kelly. Available in-person only.
Sign Up Here
RISING STARS VIRTUAL GUITAR COMPETITION
I. Young Artist Division (ages 18-35)
Rules:
Classical Guitarists ages 18-35 and older are asked to submit a live performance video of under 10 minutes with two contrasting works. The recording can be submitted by Email as a link to a YouTube video. Please have both hands visible and we encourage the use of a quality microphone. Please announce your name and the pieces you will perform. No cuts between pieces are permitted, and please do not edit your performance.
*There must be a minimum of 8 participants to run the competition.
** The Jury reserves the right NOT to award a first prize if they feel none of the competitors warrant the first place designation.
II. High School Division (ages 13-18)
Rules:
Classical Guitarists ages 13-18 are asked to submit a live performance video of under 10 minutes with two contrasting works. The recording can be submitted by Email as a link to a YouTube video. Please have both hands visible and we encourage the use of a quality microphone. Please announce your name and the pieces you will perform. No cuts between pieces are permitted, and please do not edit your performance.
*There must be a minimum of 8 participants to run the competition.
**The Jury reserves the right NOT to award a first prize if they feel none of the competitors warrant the first place designation.
***Participants 18 years old may choose to participate in either category, but NOT both. Please write the director to specify the chosen category.
Prizes:
I. The Young Artist winner (1) will have the opportunity to perform at the 2023 University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival with a concert fee of $2500 and a concert in Costa Rica with a $1000 concert fee plus travel stipend of $600 and accommodations. The winner will also be awarded a life-long subscription to Tonebase, as well as a Strings by Mail gift certificate and Augustine Strings package.
2nd Prize Winner will receive a full scholarship at the 2023 edition of the URI Guitar Festival, and a $600 cash prize and an Augustine Strings package. The winner will also be awarded a one-year subscription to Tonebase and a Strings by Mail gift certificate.
3rd Prize Winner will receive a full scholarship at the 2023 edition of the URI Guitar Festival, and a $400 cash prize and an Augustine Strings package. The winner will also be awarded a one-year subscription to Tonebase and a Strings by Mail gift certificate.
II. The High School Division winner (1) will receive a $400 cash prize, and a full scholarship to study at the 2023 edition of the URI Guitar Festival, as well as a Strings by Mail gift certificate, and an Augustine Strings package. The winner will also be awarded a life-long subscription to Tonebase.
2nd Prize Winner will receive a $200 cash prize, and a full scholarship to study at the 2023 edition of the URI Guitar Festival and an Augustine Strings package. The winner will also be awarded a one-year subscription to Tonebase and a Strings by Mail gift certificate.
3rd Prize Winner will receive a $100 cash prize, and a full scholarship to study at the 2023 edition of the URI Guitar Festival and an Augustine Strings package. The winner will also be awarded a one-year subscription to Tonebase and a Strings by Mail gift certificate..
KENNY HILL GUITAR PRIZE: The jury will award the High School Division guitarist in greatest need of a new instrument with a Kenny Hill New World Player Series guitar, valued at $2400.
Jury Panel:
3 URI Guitar Festival Guest Artists, EXCLUDING the Artistic Director.
President of Jury: Dr. Scott Borg
Registration Fee: $50
Submission Deadline: October 9th, 2023
Results: Results will be announced the last day of the festival at the closing concert.