GFA International Concert Artist Competition

The Guitar Foundation of America's International Concert Artist Competition is the premier classical guitar competition in the Americas. It is open to guitarists of all nationalities ages 18-35 as of the competition's final day; past Grand Prize winners may not re-enter. Competitors must hold GFA membership (open to anyone) and pay the registration fee.

The competition offers $25,000 in cash prizes: the Rose Augustine Grand Prize of $10,000 plus a GFA-sponsored international concert tour of roughly 50 concerts, a Carnegie Hall recital, and recording opportunities; Second Prize is $7,000, Third $5,000, and Fourth $3,000.

Register online and submit repertoire in advance; live rounds are held each June at the GFA convention. Registration for the 2026 competition ran December 8, 2025 through May 1, 2026.