South Bay Guitar Society upcoming events

Masterclass with Ziggy and Miles (20 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Masterclass with guitar duo Ziggy and Miles

Performers are limited to TWO masterclasses per season (Sept 2026-May 2027).

Please note the start time of 11:00 a.m. Location: Shared Arts Center, 99 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose

The general public is welcome to audit the class free.

The South Bay Guitar Society is pleased to present a masterclass with guitar duo Ziggy and Miles. Four players will perform individually and receive feedback from the duo in this educational event.

Registration required for the four performer slots. Performers under aged 18 must have a parent or guardian accompanying them at all times during the class.

SBGS Virtual Open Mic (27 Sep 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

VIRTUAL Open Mic Zoom Link

Performer Signup

Host: Sebastian Quintero

At the 12:00 p.m. Open Mic start, use the Zoom link to join. If you'd like to perform, fill out the "Performer Signup" form beforehand. Performance order is first-come first-served, although those under 18 can go first. The class will end after everyone has played and may conclude before 2 p.m.

Everyone is welcome: Performers of all levels from beginner to professional are warmly received and encouraged. As we are a guitar society, only solo guitarists and ensembles that include at least one guitarist may play.

Acoustic only: Finger-picking styles only. Soloists and ensembles of guitar and other instruments such as violin, flute and ukulele are welcome.

Maximum time per performer: 10 minutes

Setup recommendation for performers:

An external microphone such as a Zoom USB digital microphone is recommended for good sound quality. For example, the Zoom H1n works very well. If you don’t have one, the microphone in your computer or mobile device will be adequate.

We recommend that you install the latest version of Zoom. Go to the Zoom/Check for Updates menu item and run the update, or go to Download Zoom Update.

Finally, we recommend that you turn on Original Sound while you are performing and turn if off when not performing.

Contact: 408-915-SBGS

SBGS In-Person Open Mic (27 Sep 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Host: Eugenia Teytelman

Everyone is Welcome: Performers at any level from beginners to professionals are warmly encouraged. As we are a guitar society, only solo guitarists and ensembles that include at least one guitarist may play. No charge to play or attend. Please bring your own footstool and music stand if needed! Or, just sit in the audience and enjoy.

Acoustic Only: Finger-picking nylon-string styles. Guitar soloists and ensembles that include other instruments with guitar are welcome.

Maximum time per performer: 10 minutes

Playing order: To play, sign in when you arrive. Performance order is first-come first-served, though players under age 18 may go first.

Contact: 408-915-SBGS

About the host

Local music teacher and performer Eugenia Teytelman grew up in Moscow, Russia, and started studying piano at age six before discovering the guitar at age 14. Since then, she has played both instruments and even made a short detour to study alto saxophone.

Eugenia has a B.A. degree in linguistics from Moscow State University and an M.A. from UC Berkeley. After working as a linguist and translator, Eugenia is back in school and pursuing her M.M. degree in guitar performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with David Tanenbaum.

Besides being half of Lady Fingers guitar duo, Eugenia teaches piano and classical guitar in San Jose, Calif.

SBGS Open Mic at Los Altos Library (13 Oct 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 01:30:00 GMT

DIRECTIONS

Host: Chandra Rajagopal

Everyone is Welcome: Performers at any level from beginners to professionals are warmly encouraged. As we are a guitar society, only solo guitarists and ensembles that include at least one guitarist may play. FREE to play or attend. Please bring your own footstool and music stand if needed! Or, just sit in the audience and enjoy.

Acoustic Only: Finger-picking nylon-string styles. Guitar soloists and ensembles that include other instruments with guitar are welcome.

Maximum time per performer: 10 minutes

Playing order: To play, sign in when you arrive. Performance order is first-come first-served, though players under age 18 may go first.

Host Chandra Rajagopal

Based in Palo Alto, Chandra Rajagopal completed his studies in electrical engineering and classical guitar performance in 2010 from the University of Southern California. His musical adventures continue through composition, session guitar work, and various bands in Los Angeles and the South Bay. Chandra is also currently focused on introducing the guitar to his youngest student (his toddler) and is eager to make musical connections across the Bay Area.

Masterclass with Guitar Virtuoso Giulia Ballarè (18 Oct 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Masterclass with Guitar Virtuoso Giulia Ballarè

Performers are limited to TWO masterclasses per season (Sept 2026-May 2027).

Please note the start time of 11:00 a.m. Location: Shared Arts Center, 99 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose

The general public is welcome to audit the class free.

Directions

The South Bay Guitar Society is pleased to present a masterclass with guitar virtuoso Giulia Ballarè. Four players will perform individually and receive feedback from Ballarè in this educational event.

Registration required for the four performer slots. Performers under aged 18 must have a parent or guardian accompanying them at all times during the class.

Virtuoso Giulia Ballarè in Santa Cruz for the South Bay Guitar Society (18 Oct 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Directions

Virtuoso Guitarist Giulia Ballarè in recital

The South Bay Guitar Society is pleased to present guitarist Giulia Ballaré Reyes on its Guitarra en Fisterra series at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz.

Sunday October 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m., Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. Free admission and free parking.

Italian guitar virtuoso Giulia Ballarè is considered one of the most promising soloists of her generation and is regularly invited to play prestigious venues around the world. She is professor at Conservatoire de Musique de Genève in Switzerland and Conservatorio A. Vivali in Allessandria in Italy. She also organizes an annual masterclass in Novara in northwestern Italy.

In 2013 she released her first album Lyrically Spain with the label dotGuitar and released Untuned Guitar in 2019 with the Spanish label JSM Guitar Records. In 2019 she founded the Gauthey Ballarè Duo with French guitarist Pauline Gauthey. In 2023 they released their first album Lo Que Vendrá with JSM Guitar Records.

Between 2013 and 2018, Ballarè won more than 30 prizes in international competitions in Spain, Austria, Italy, and other countries. Among her accolades are first prizes in the Andrès Segovia, Ciudad de Coria, Forum Gitarre Wien, and Mottola competitions.

Now a Savarez Artist, Ballarè started playing guitar at age nine and she graduated in 2012 from the Conservatory of Novara studying under Guido Fichtner.

The South Bay Guitar Society promotes classical and related guitar music to people of all cultures, ages, abilities and economic means, primarily in the South Bay but also in the wider region. SBGS fulfills its purpose by offering culturally diverse concerts, guitar music education and performance opportunities for professional and amateur musicians. SBGS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit managed by volunteers. For more information visit sbgs.org

SBGS Virtual Open Mic (25 Oct 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

VIRTUAL Open Mic Zoom Link

Performer Signup

Host: Sebastian Quintero

Acoustic only: Finger-picking styles only. Soloists and ensembles of guitar and other instruments such as violin, flute and ukulele are welcome.

Maximum time per performer: 10 minutes

Setup recommendation for performers:

We recommend that you install the latest version of Zoom. Go to the Zoom/Check for Updates menu item and run the update, or go to Download Zoom Update.

Finally, we recommend that you turn on Original Sound while you are performing and turn if off when not performing.

Contact: 408-915-SBGS

SBGS In-Person Open Mic (25 Oct 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Host: To be announced

Acoustic Only: Finger-picking nylon-string styles. Guitar soloists and ensembles that include other instruments with guitar are welcome.

Maximum time per performer: 10 minutes

Playing order: To play, sign in when you arrive. Performance order is first-come first-served, though players under age 18 may go first.

Contact: 408-915-SBGS

Masterclass with Guitar Virtuoso Suvan Agarwal (15 Nov 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Masterclass with Guitar Virtuoso Suvan Agarwal

Performers are limited to TWO masterclasses per season (Sept 2026-May 2027).

Please note the start time of 11:00 a.m. Location: Shared Arts Center, 99 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose

The general public is welcome to audit the class free.

Directions

The South Bay Guitar Society is pleased to present a masterclass with guitar virtuoso Suvan Agarwal. Four players will perform individually and receive feedback from Agarwal in this educational event.

Registration required for the four performer slots. Performers under aged 18 must have a parent or guardian accompanying them at all times during the class.

SBGS Virtual Open Mic (22 Nov 2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

VIRTUAL Open Mic Zoom Link

Performer Signup

Host: Sebastian Quintero

Acoustic only: Finger-picking styles only. Soloists and ensembles of guitar and other instruments such as violin, flute and ukulele are welcome.

Maximum time per performer: 10 minutes

Setup recommendation for performers:

We recommend that you install the latest version of Zoom. Go to the Zoom/Check for Updates menu item and run the update, or go to Download Zoom Update.

Finally, we recommend that you turn on Original Sound while you are performing and turn if off when not performing.

Contact: 408-915-SBGS

SBGS In-Person Open Mic (22 Nov 2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Host: To be announced

Acoustic Only: Finger-picking nylon-string styles. Guitar soloists and ensembles that include other instruments with guitar are welcome.

Maximum time per performer: 10 minutes

Playing order: To play, sign in when you arrive. Performance order is first-come first-served, though players under age 18 may go first.

Contact: 408-915-SBGS

SBGS In-Person Open Mic (22 Nov 2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Host: To be announced

Acoustic Only: Finger-picking nylon-string styles. Guitar soloists and ensembles that include other instruments with guitar are welcome.

Maximum time per performer: 10 minutes

Playing order: To play, sign in when you arrive. Performance order is first-come first-served, though players under age 18 may go first.

Contact: 408-915-SBGS

Young Dae & Inja Kim Competition for Composers March 13, 2027 (8 Jan 2027)

Fri, 08 Jan 2027 18:00:00 GMT

YOUNG DAE AND INJA KIM COMPETITION FOR COMPOSERS

The South Bay Guitar Society invites composers to enter the Young Dae and Inja Kim Composition Competition. Participants should submit an original work for classical guitar quartet. The winner receive a cash prize and will have his or her work performed at the 2027 Jerry Snyder GuitarFest on March 13-14, 2027, at Starting Arts Center, 99 Notre Dame Ave., in San Jose

-Entry fee $35

-Participants must live, work, or study in San Francisco or the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Merced, Napa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, or Stanislaus

-Open to composers of all ages

-Submission must be an original work that has not won any prize or been previously performed

-Submit a piece for classical guitar quartet in standard notation, two to three minutes in length and of an intermediate level of difficulty

-Email submissions as PDF file and MP3 audio recording of MIDI playback to fractaljosh@gmail.com

-Deadline January 8, 2027

Questions? Contact South Bay Guitar Society president Josh Friedman at fractaljosh@gmail.com

Masterclass with GFA Competition Winner Virgile Barthe (7 Feb 2027)

Sun, 07 Feb 2027 19:00:00 GMT

Masterclass with Guitar Foundation of America Competition Winner Virgile Barthe

This masterclass is now full. If you'd like to join a waitlist, please email sbgs.secretary@gmail.com. First-come first-served.

Performers are limited to TWO masterclasses per season (Sept 2026-May 2027).

Please note the start time of 11:00 a.m. Location: Shared Arts Center, 99 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose

The general public is welcome to audit the class free.

Directions

The South Bay Guitar Society is pleased to present a masterclass with guitar virtuoso Virgile Barthe. Four players will perform individually and receive feedback from Barthe in this educational event.

Registration required for the four performer slots. Performers under aged 18 must have a parent or guardian accompanying them at all times during the class.

Junior Division Youth Competition (13 Mar 2027)

Sat, 13 Mar 2027 17:00:00 GMT

South Bay Guitar Society's Junior Division Youth Competition-March 13, 2027

For classical guitarists age 13 and under. Participant must be born AFTER March 13, 2013. If you were born ON March 13, 2013, or prior, YOU'RE TOO OLD for the Junior division.)

Date: MORNING of Saturday March 13, 2027

Location: Shared Arts Center, 99 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose

Time limit: 5 minutes from the first note. Performer will be stopped at the time limit with no penalty.

Entry Fee: $25.00, payable at sbgs.org. Please note that your spot is not reserved until you've paid the entry fee.

Competition limited to the first 15 registrants. You can enter in only one age category. Previous first-place winners cannot re-enter in the same age category.

Apply here

Repertoire: One or more solo works from the classical guitar repertoire. Transcriptions and arrangements permitted; no concerto movements or cadenzas. All works to be performed from memory on a standard six-string classical guitar.

Performer must begin each selection at the beginning of the piece. Do NOT take repeats.

Performer must bring his/her own footstool or other guitar lift if needed. Performer must bring three photocopies of the sheet music for all works. Photocopies will not be returned to the performer and will be discarded by SBGS following the competition.

Scoring: Three judges will use the scoring rubric below. Total scores from each judge will be combined to rank the top three competitors. There will be no ties, honorable mention, or audience choice awards. Judges’ decisions are final.

The competition will be open to a public audience.

Results for the Junior Division will be announced during intermission of the Saturday ticketed concert, which starts at 7:30 p.m. at Shared Arts Center. All performers will receive judges' scores and comments via email after the event.

Awards:

First Prize - $500.00

Second Prize - $300.00

Third Prize - $100.00

The First Prize winner of the Junior Age Division will be invited to perform as a Prelude performer in SBGS's 2027-2028 season. If the First Prize winner is unable to perform, the opportunity will be offered to the Second Prize winner.

If the entry fee poses a financial hardship, please contact us at sbgs.secretary@gmail.com to request a fee waiver. No questions asked.

Please note that the performer must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Judges to be announced.

Questions? Contact us at sbgs.secretary@gmail.com

2027 Jerry Snyder GuitarFest (13 Mar 2027)

Sat, 13 Mar 2027 17:00:00 GMT

2027 Jerry Snyder GuitarFest

DIRECTIONS: Shared Arts Center

Join the South Bay Guitar Society on March 13-14, 2027, for our annual Jerry Snyder GuitarFest! Experience two days of masterclasses, our Youth Competition, virtuoso performances, a luthier display, and more.

Time: Saturday-Sunday March 13-14, 2027, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Shared Arts Center, 99 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose

Contact: 408-915-SBGS

Senior Division Youth Competition (14 Mar 2027)

Sun, 14 Mar 2027 16:00:00 GMT

South Bay Guitar Society's Senior Division Youth Competition-March 14, 2027

For classical guitarists age 14 through 18. Participant must be born on or after March 15, 2008 AND on or before March 14, 2013. If you were born on March 14, 2008, or before, YOU'RE TOO OLD for the Senior Division. If you were born on March 15, 2013, or after, YOU'RE TOO YOUNG for the Senior Division.

Date: MORNING of Sunday March 14, 2027

Location: Shared Arts Center, 99 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose

Time limit: 7 minutes from the first note. Performer will be stopped at the time limit with no penalty.

Entry Fee: $25.00, payable at sbgs.org. Please note that your spot is not reserved until you've paid the entry fee.

Competition limited to the first 15 registrants. You can enter in only one age category. Previous first-place winners cannot re-enter in the same age category.

Apply here

Performer must begin each selection at the beginning of the piece. Do NOT take repeats.

Performer must bring his/her own footstool or other guitar lift if needed.

Performer must bring three photocopies of the sheet music for all works. Photocopies will not be returned to the performer and will be discarded by SBGS following the competition.

The competition will be open to a public audience.

Results for the Senior Division will be announced via email the evening of Sunday March 14. All performers will receive judges' scores and comments via email after the event. Winners will receive certificates and prize money via U.S. Mail.

Awards:

First Prize - $500.00

Second Prize - $300.00

Third Prize - $100.00

The First Prize winner of the Senior Division will be invited to perform as a Prelude performer in SBGS's 2027-2028 season. If the First Prize winner is unable to perform, the opportunity will be offered to the Second Prize winner.

If the entry fee poses a financial hardship, please contact us at sbgs.secretary@gmail.com to request a fee waiver. No questions asked.

Please note that the performer must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Judges to be announced.

Questions? Contact us at sbgs.secretary@gmail.com

Masterclass with Guitar Virtuoso Cinzia Milani (14 Mar 2027)

Sun, 14 Mar 2027 20:00:00 GMT

Masterclass with Guitar Virtuoso Cinzia Milani at the 2027 Jerry Snyder GuitarFest

This masterclass is now full. If you'd like to join a waitlist, please email sbgs.secretary@gmail.com. First-come first-served.

Performers are limited to TWO masterclasses per season (Sept 2026-May 2027).

Please note the start time of 1:00 p.m. Location: Shared Arts Center, 99 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose

The general public is welcome to audit the class free.

Directions

The South Bay Guitar Society is pleased to present a masterclass with guitar virtuoso Cinzia Milani . Four players will perform individually and receive feedback from Milani in this educational event.

Registration required for the four performer slots. Performers under aged 18 must have a parent or guardian accompanying them at all times during the class.

Masterclass with Guitar Virtuoso Vera Danilina (4 Apr 2027)

Sun, 04 Apr 2027 18:00:00 GMT

Masterclass with Guitar Virtuoso Vera Danilina

This masterclass is now full. If you'd like to join a waitlist, please email sbgs.secretary@gmail.com. First-come first-served.

Performers are limited to TWO masterclasses per season (Sept 2026-May 2027).

Please note the start time of 11:00 a.m. Location: Shared Arts Center, 99 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose

The general public is welcome to audit the class free.

Directions

The South Bay Guitar Society is pleased to present a masterclass with guitar virtuoso Vera Danilina. Four players will perform individually and receive feedback from Danilina in this educational event.

Registration required for the four performer slots. Performers under aged 18 must have a parent or guardian accompanying them at all times during the class.

Guitar Virtuoso Vera Danilina in Santa Cruz for the South Bay Guitar Society (4 Apr 2027)

Mon, 05 Apr 2027 00:00:00 GMT

Directions

Guitar Virtuoso Vera Danilina in recital

The South Bay Guitar Society is pleased to present virtuoso Vera Danilina on its Guitarra en Fisterra series at University of California Santa Cruz's Seymour Marine Research Center. This beautiful venue lies at the edge of Pacific Ocean on the west end of Santa Cruz. Please come enjoy the music and the view and support the artist. Follow signs to La Feliz Room.

Sunday April 4, 2027, 5:00 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Seymour Marine Discovery Center, La Feliz Room, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz. Free admission and parking. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Originally from Russia, Vera Danilina is renowned for her distinctive performance style, expressive stage presence, and contribution to the development of classical guitar.

After winning the "Michele Pittaluga" International Classical Guitar Competition in 2022, Danilina performed a series of solo concerts in prestigious Italian venues. In 2023, she performed at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow during the Guitar Virtuosos festival and toured France as part of a concert series organized by Amis des Jeunes Artistes Musiciens. That year Danilina also released her debut album on the Contrastes Records label, receiving high praise from critics and audiences alike.

Since 2023, Danilina has bee creating a documentary entitled "Vera Venezia," directed by Lilia Timirzyanova. The film chronicles her artistic journey, blending her guitar performance with the history and culture of Venice.

Danilina collaborates with contemporary composers including Andrey Zelensky, Sergey Kravchuk, Nikita Koshkin, and Mathias Duplessy, whose works form a significant part of her repertoire. Modern composers including Konstantin Vassiliev and Sergey Kravchuk have written for her, reflecting her influence and efforts to expand the boundaries of the classical guitar.

Born in Penza, Russia, Danilina's artistry was significantly influenced by her mother, a professional actress. She began studying guitar at the age of five under the guidance of Olga Odrina. Danilina has studied at the M.A. Balakirev Music College in Nizhny Novgorod, the M.I. Glinka State Conservatory, and the Regional Conservatory of Paris under the mentorship of Jérémy Jouve.

Danilina's technique, which she developed during her early studies, is distinct from that of other classical guitarists. Her right-hand position, featuring an extended pinky finger, allows for exceptional precision, speed, and expressiveness. Danilina's technique blends elements of tirando and apoyando, allowing a rich and powerful sound. Inspired by the traditions of 19th-century romantic guitarists including Dionisio Aguado and Fernando Sor, her style is a modern reinterpretation of historical techniques.

Danilina is sponsored by Altamira Guitars, Savarez, and Nevaton.

Masterclass with Guitar Virtuoso Berta Rojas (9 May 2027)

Sun, 09 May 2027 18:00:00 GMT

Masterclass with Guitar Virtuoso Berta Rojas

This masterclass is now full. If you'd like to join a waitlist, please email sbgs.secretary@gmail.com. First-come first-served.

Performers are limited to TWO masterclasses per season (Sept 2026-May 2027).

Please note the start time of 11:00 a.m. Location: Shared Arts Center, 99 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose

The general public is welcome to audit the class free.

Directions

The South Bay Guitar Society is pleased to present a masterclass with guitar virtuoso Berta Rojas. Four players will perform individually and receive feedback from Rojas in this educational event.

Registration required for the four performer slots. Performers under aged 18 must have a parent or guardian accompanying them at all times during the class.