The USGO Summer Institute is inspired by two workshops that dissolved in 2024 —the Eastern Music Festival and Aaron Shearer Summer Institute. Each of these was unique in its own way. EMF welcomed the top players from around the country for an immersive and intense two-week experience set in the context of an orchestral festival. The ASF summer experience was community-based for all levels and centered around being in nature with similar workshops, lessons and guitar orchestra. Kami Rowan, Jason Vieaux, and Alan Hirsh are here to continue these workshops welcoming guest artist Colin Davin on Guilford College’s beautiful campus July 22-August 1, 2026.

With the goal of continuing the most immersive and highest quality summer guitar workshop, we promise to deliver a life-changing experience. Participants will be immersed in all-day workshops, rehearsals, performances, master classes, inside a lovely campus with more than 240 acres of woods (Guilford Woods). The Institute will kick-off with a high school and collegiate competition and end with a dynamic concert. In between, guitarists will create music, improv, play chamber music, have lessons and master classes with world-renowned players and pedagogues, practice performance skills and do workshops ranging from technique to professional development.

The special sauce of the USGO Summer Institute is the vibe! IYKYK and if you don’t come see!