Parkening International Guitar Competition

Showcasing brilliant local talent on an international scale

2019 Parkening International Guitar Competition winner, Andrea Roberto, a 23-year-old musician from Italy

The Parkening International Guitar Competition is the world’s preeminent classical guitar competition. Honoring guitar virtuoso Christopher Parkening, Distinguished Professor of Music at Seaver College, the program celebrates his lifetime commitment to fostering musical excellence in young artists.

The competition, which debuted in 2006, offers the largest prize purse of any classical guitar competition in the world, with competitors vying for cash awards that total in excess of $65,000. Following three days of intense public performances, the winner of the Parkening International Guitar Competition receives a gold medal, the Jack Marshall Prize of $30,000, and the most prestigious title in classical guitar.

Held every four years on Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, the competition brings together musicians from across the globe for a week of celebration, enrichment, and growth through a shared love of music.

The Young Guitarist Competition identifies young guitarists (17 years and younger) and encourages them to stay on path with their performance careers and study.

Sponsors are needed to fund all aspects of the competition and to provide a high-quality experience for all competitors and judges.