Hayes School of Music

We hope to see you at GuitarFest from March 28-30, 2025! Learn more about the different registration options on this page, then register and pay at this link:

https://appstate.irisregistration.com/Form/25GuitarFest

• Registration is open now! Registration will close on Sunday, March 23. 
• If asked for a code to begin registration, enter 25Guitarfest. 
• If you do not have an Iris account, you will need to create one and return to the form. 
• For participants under 18, a parent/guardian will need to complete the registration. Parent/guardian supervision will be required for participants under 18; see more info below. 
• For help with the form, please contact Carey Driskell (driskellc@appstate.edu, (828) 262-2942).
• For other GuitarFest questions, please contact Dr. Adam Kossler (kossleraj@appstate.edu, 828-262-6463).

Full Registration: $150

Full registration includes all concerts, masterclasses, workshops from March 28 - 30, 2025. 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

For Suzuki students, registration will include: 

• March 28th (4:00-6:15 pm): Registration/Play-In
• March 29th (9am-6:30pm): 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: $90

Auditor Registration includes entrance to all concerts, masterclasses and workshops, but does not include participation in competitions or masterclasses.

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. 

• If a participant is under the age of 18 and not a student at Appalachian State University, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while on campus. For each under-18 registration, one parent or guardian can attend any GuitarFest events for free. 
• All concerts will be held in the Broyhill Music Center at Appalachian State University. 
• Cancellations provided in writing up to ten days prior to the event will receive a refund with a $10 cancellation fee.

There is a cost to park on campus on Friday from 7am-5pm. Parking on Saturday and Sunday is free.

A Friday parking pass is available for $5.00 in the registration form. This is the closest and most cost-effective parking option and is only available through the registration form. This allows the holder to park in any surface lot (including lots conveniently located next to the Broyhill Music Center). If purchased in the registration form, your parking pass will be available at check-in, after which you can put it on your vehicle. 

Thank you to our GuitarFest hotel sponsors! La Quinta Inn & Suites and Graystone Lodge offer an exclusive discount for GuitarFest attendees. Booking early is recommended. 

Use the links below to book at the discounted rates. You may need to navigate to the GuitarFest dates (March 28-30) in the hotel's calendar to see accurate pricing and remove the "rate not available" notice. 

• La Quinta booking link for GuitarFest (10% discount)
• Graystone Lodge booking link for GuitarFest (15% discount)