The Youth Guitarathon

Guitar students, teachers, families, and friends: Join us at 4 pm on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for the Minnesota Guitar Society’s annual Youth Guitarathon! Together we’ll cheer on the next generation of promising Minnesotan guitarists!

For 2026 we have partnered with Ludus to handle our registration and ticketing for this event. Registration for the Youth Guitarathon here!

Students: Our goal is to nurture and encourage all young guitarists. Your audition in April will take place in a friendly, supportive environment with qualified judges that will provide you with helpful feedback. Then, in May you may get to play on stage, along with your peers, at Sundin Music Hall! The hall is not only beautiful but has amazing acoustics. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show the world what you have to offer and gain valuable experience performing in front of a live audience. Auditions will be held at University of St. Thomas on April 25, 2026 at 10:00am. We hope you’ll join us!

Guitar teachers: The Minnesota Guitar Society’s panel of judges chooses the concert performers at an audition prior to the event. The audition isn’t a competitive event, and neither is the Youth Guitarathon: no one is ever declared a “winner.” The auditioning panel consists of experienced judges, all professional guitarists from different backgrounds, using criteria like musicianship, skill level, stage presence, and diversity of style. Every young guitarist who auditions will receive a comment sheet from the judges.

Please note that, at this event, we will also be presenting our “Guitar Educator of the Year” award. Information about this award, and the nomination form, can be found here.