Classical Guitar Intensive
“Don’t play like a guitarist!”
About
Fried Music’s inaugural Classical Guitar Intensive is introducing two distinct tiers for participants. The intensive is a comprehensive five-day program crafted for emerging classical guitarists, offering an immersive, high-level, and rigorous educational environment designed to refine skills and enhance artistry.
A select group of five Young Artists will be granted full admission to the program following a successful video audition. These individuals will be notified of their acceptance by July 22.
In addition, students of all ages and skill levels are welcome to register as Live Participants, gaining access to all afternoon events (beginning at 1:30pm), including lectures, competition simulation, and performances. This tier is ideal for those who wish to explore the classical guitar world but may not yet be ready for a more competitive or demanding environment.
All applications and registrations due by July 20, 2025. Accepted Young Artists will be notified by July 22, 2025. Applicants who were not selected as Young Artists may register as Live Participants.
Dates: Monday, August 4 through Friday, August 8
Times: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Where: Fried Music II (226 W Main Street, Alhambra CA 91801
Faculty
7x First Prize international competition winner, Grand Prize winner of the GFA International Concert Artist Competition (GFA-ICAC), winner and Audience Prize recipient of the Concert Artists Guild (with Strauss Shi as ArcoStrum) & Professor of Guitar at UC Irvine and faculty at Fried Music.
The Juilliard School (BM; MM), USC Thornton School of Music (DMA)
First Prize winner of the ASTA L.A. Guitar Competition, USC Classical Guitar Competition, Southern Guitar Festival and Competition, and Domaine Forget International Music Festival Youth Competition.
The Juilliard School (BM), Manhattan School of Music (MM), USC Thornton School of Music (DMA Candidate)
Tier One: Apply to be one of the five Young Artists:
Includes:
Three 1-hour private lessons with Dr. TY
Daily warm up and technique classes
Daily supervised individual practice
Three interactive lectures (Train Like an Olympian: Mastering Speed, Clarity, Power, and Efficiency; Don’t Play Like a Guitarist, Think Like an Artist; The Competitive Edge: Competition Strategy and Branding)
Two-round simulated competition w/ judges panel
Daily hot lunch, snacks and drinks provided
Final Concert
Application Requirements:
Ages 12-22 years old
Completed registration form with a non-refundable application fee of $60. Deadline to submit is July 20, 2025.
YouTube links of applicant performing two contrasting pieces
Tuition:
Tuition for five days of guided practice, workshops, and more is $1200. Three private lessons, a concert, and concerts by our Faculty Artists are included in the total tuition. Tuition reflects the one-on-one, personalized nature of the program.
Financial aid and payment plans are available based on both need and merit. Scholarships will be awarded based on the quality of audition videos and a personal statement, particularly for applicants requesting need-based assistance.
Apply to be a Young Artist here.
Tier Two: Register as a Live Participant
Includes:
Access to all afternoon sessions starting 1:30PM
Lectures, auditor for simulated competition, and admission to Final Concert & Reception
Live Participant Tuition: $380
No audition or application materials are required. All registered Participants will automatically join the program.
Register as a Live Participant here.
Sample Daily Schedule
9:30AM - 10:30AM: Private Lesson with Dr. TY Zhang
10:30AM - 11:30PM: Warm Up & Technique Class w/ Michael Vascones
11:30PM - 12:30PM: Individual Supervised Practice
12:30PM - 1:30PM: Lunch
1:30PM - 2:30PM: “Don’t Play Like a Guitarist” Lecture w/ Dr. TY Zhang
2:30PM - 3:30PM: Interactive Performance w/ Dr. TY Zhang and Michael Vascones
Attendance
Regular attendance is key to success. Young Artists are expected to arrive by 9:30 AM each day. Excused absences include illness, school-related events, or pre-approved artistic conflicts. No proration or discounts offered based on absences or partial attendance.
For questions or more information, email info@friedmusic.com