Frost School Of Music Hosts Guitar Foundation Of America’s (GFA) International Convention And Competition

The Frost School of Music (FSOM) at the University of Miami will host the 2019 Guitar Foundation of America’s (GFA) International Convention and Competition from June 17 through June 22.

This annual event brings together approximately 600 classical guitar masters and enthusiasts from all over the world, including some of the most elite performers of classical guitar. The 2019 GFA International Convention and Competition will be co-hosted by Dr. Federico Musgrove Stetson (B.M. ’07 D.M.A. ‘17) founding member, president and executive director of the Florida Guitar Foundation and adjunct faculty member at the FSOM. He is joined by Rafael Padron, assistant professor of Practice and program director of Classical Guitar at the Frost School of Music. 

The six-day convention includes three concerts per day, a wide array of lectures, hands-on workshops, masterclasses and private lessons, a comprehensive vendor exposition and luthier showcase, Hall of Fame awards ceremony, and two guitar orchestras, open to all attendees. The GFA Convention is also home to three divisions of prestigious classical guitar competitions. The winner of the GFA International Concert Artist Competition is awarded an extensive international tour, along with a cash prize, recording contract, and publishing contract. The International Youth Competition (IYC) has both senior and junior divisions that offer young players the opportunity to perform for an elite panel of judges as well as the large GFA audience. Winners of the IYC receive cash awards and generous prizes from our sponsors. The 2019 Convention will also feature the third annual International Ensemble Competition (IEC), with divisions for youth and adults in small and large ensembles. 

In commenting Dr. Federico Musgrove Stetson and Rafael Padron jointly stated: “We are excited to host this years’ GFA International Convention at the Frost School of Music in Miami. We look forward to welcoming guitar enthusiasts from all over the world to experience our beautiful campus and facilities and the vibrant musical destination of the great city of Miami.” 

The 2019 GFA Convention will also incorporate GFA’s new Guitar Summit youth camp, a six-day sleepaway camp for students ages 11-18. Guitar Summit students will have the opportunity to attend convention events while also participating in special workshops, performances and fun activities with convention artists and special guests.