We hope to see you at GuitarFest from March 27-29, 2026! Register on this page as an individual or group. Hotel and parking details are further down the page. 

• For general GuitarFest questions, please contact Dr. Adam Kossler (kossleraj@appstate.edu, 828-262-6463) in the Hayes School of Music.
• For help with the Iris Registration forms, please contact Carey Driskell (driskellc@appstate.edu, (828) 262-2942) in the Office of Conference and Event Services.

Individual Registration Link

• If asked for a code to access the form, enter 26GuitarFest.
• New registrants will be prompted to create an Iris Registration account. Please record your email/username and password in a secure location. 

Full Registration: $150

Full GuitarFest Registration includes participation in all GuitarFest events including concerts, masterclasses, competitions and workshops (excluding NCMEA group performances). Participation in competitions and masterclasses are included in this registration. Performers in masterclasses will be determined on a first come, first serve basis.

Suzuki Track: $150

Includes participation in all Suzuki activities (Suzuki masterclasses, workshops, group classes, and concert) and participation in the competitions. Suzuki registration also includes observation of all other GuitarFest events and concerts.

For Suzuki students, registration will include: 

• March 27th (4:00-6:15 pm): Registration/Play-In
• March 28th (8am-6:00pm): group classes, ensemble, masterclasses, electives, Guitarfest competitions and final Suzuki concert. 
• At other times on Saturday and Sunday, Suzuki participants are welcome to attend other GuitarFest events that interest them. 

Auditor/Vendor Registration: $100

For those who would like to observe all events and evening concerts. The Auditor Registration includes entrance to all concerts, masterclasses and workshops, but does not include participation in competitions or masterclasses. 

The Vendor Registration is like the Auditor Registration but includes a reserved space at the Vendor Fair in the lobby. Vendor spaces are limited, so please register early to claim a spot at the Vendor Fair. 

App State Students

Currently enrolled students of Appalachian State University do not need to submit the Iris form. App State students will be admitted free upon showing their AppCard. 

This year, the NCMEA Guitar Committee will partner with Appalachian State University GuitarFest to offer the first ever NCMEA Music Performance Adjudication (MPA) at GuitarFest! The cost to register your group for the NCMEA Music Performance Adjudication is $250. This can be paid by credit card or by check. 

Group Registration Link

• If asked for a code to access the form, enter 26GuitarFestGroup.
• New registrants will be prompted to create an Iris Registration account. Please record your email/username and password in a secure location. 

This group package and $250 price includes:

• A juried performance on Friday, March 27 for which your group will receive a score and expert feedback on your performance.
• The option for members of your group to observe (but not participate in) all other GuitarFest events from Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29. 

At the end of the form, the group leader will need to submit a First Name, Last Name, and Emergency Contact Phone Number for each participant. For participants under 18, you will also need to submit a Parent/Guardian Name, Parent/Guardian Email, and Parent/Guardian Phone. 

This group registration DOES NOT permit members of your group to perform in masterclasses or competitions for individual guitarists. Individual students from NCMEA groups who wish to perform in masterclasses or individual competitions will need to purchase their own Full or Suzuki track registration ($150) through the individual registration form. 

MPA Requirements

• Teachers must be members of the North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA) in order to have their guitar ensemble participate in the adjudication. 
• Guitar ensembles must be based in North Carolina. 
• GuitarFest can accommodate ensembles of up to 25 participants.
• Ensembles are asked to perform at least two pieces of contrasting style with a total stage time of no more than 15 minutes.
• We offer no limitations in regards to graded level, style of music or ensemble type (steel string or classical).
• This year’s event WILL NOT include a sight-reading assessment.
• Groups that wish to participate for “comments only” are welcome.