16th Annual Celebration of the Guitar – Sunday, March 9, 2025
Join us on Sunday, March 9 for Fret Fest, a daylong celebration of all things guitar at the Peabody Preparatory’s downtown Baltimore campus! Open to classical and electric students of all ages and experience levels, this exciting event features masterclasses, performances, and interactive workshops led by Preparatory faculty and guest artists. Highlights include inspiring performances by young guitarists, student ensembles, and guest artist, Celil Refik Kaya, making this a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the guitar.
What to Expect
All registered participants will be placed in cohorts of similar age and experience level. Each registrant will have the opportunity to perform and observe a masterclass, attend an engaging workshop tailored to enhance their skills and appreciation for the guitar and see and/or perform in a concert. The day concludes with a concert by guest artist, Celil Refil Kaya, and a student ensemble concert.
Students who are not part of the Preparatory Program are welcome to join Fret Fest! To ensure placement in an appropriate masterclass, non-Preparatory participants must submit a short playing sample upon registration via Slate.
All participating students should have a polished piece they can play in their learning cohort for feedback.
Special Opportunity for teachers of ensembles:
If you have an ensemble that would like to perform in the final concert or receive coaching during Fret Fest, please email [email protected].
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, Fret Fest promises a day filled with inspiration, learning, and a celebration of the guitar!
Tuition: $65*
*Students enrolled in Preparatory Guitar Ensembles or Suzuki Group classes have Fret Fest tuition included in their class tuition. Please speak with your group teacher for registration information.
Schedule
Time
Event
9:00- 9:50 am
Ensemble coaching (if in Preparatory or visiting ensemble)
10:00- 11:50 am
Perform in and watch masterclasses. You will be placed in a cohort with students of similar age/experience.
12:00- 12:50 pm
Lunch
1:00- 1:50 pm
Youth Solo Showcase Concert (performance opportunity for students 12 and under) OR a workshop for older/advanced students
2:00 pm
Celil Refik Kaya Guest Artist Concert (Leith Symington Griswold Hall)
4:00 pm
Ensemble Concert (Leith Symington Griswold Hall)
Guest Artist
Celil Refik Kaya
International recording and performing artist Celil Refik Kaya is one of two three-time prizewinners of the Guitar Foundation of America International Guitar Competition, the youngest First Prize Winner of the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition, and is a recording artist with Naxos Record label. Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra conductor JoAnn Falletta commends Kaya as “a superb musician in every sense”. American Record Guide has called his performances “just perfect”, and numerous critiques from around the world applaud Kaya’s playing as being “seemingly effortless”.
