Guitar

Classical & Jazz Guitar Studio

Founded in 2004 by Distinguished Professor René Izquierdo, the UWM guitar program has grown into one of the most dynamic and accomplished guitar communities in the country. Students receive the personal mentorship of internationally active artist-teachers together with the resources, energy, and creative life of a major public university in Milwaukee. The program is built around serious artistic growth: developing a secure and expressive technique, discovering a personal musical voice, building a broad and meaningful repertoire, and gaining the confidence to perform at the highest level.

Whether your path is classical, jazz, or a combination of both, UWM offers an individualized and comprehensive musical education. Guitar performance majors pursue a multi-style approach, choosing a primary and secondary focus that reflects their artistic interests and professional goals.

Classical guitar students work closely with faculty through weekly private lessons, technique classes, studio class, chamber music, guitar ensemble, sight reading, pedagogy, and history and literature, with frequent performance opportunities throughout the year. Jazz guitar students study with Peter Billmann, developing improvisation, harmony, ensemble skills, and stylistic fluency. Additional study in composition, technology, and world music prepares students for the many realities of a contemporary career in music—performing, teaching, recording, arranging, and creative work across genres.

Just as important, students become part of a supportive studio culture where colleagues challenge, encourage, and inspire one another every day. At UWM, you won’t simply study guitar, you’ll join a community devoted to artistry, imagination, versatility, and the transformative power of music.

Ensemble Opportunities

• Guitar Ensemble
• Jazz Ensembles & Combos

A Record of Excellence

The results speak for themselves. Since the program’s founding, UWM guitar students have earned more than 100 top prizes in national and international competitions, including more than 50 first-place awards. These achievements reflect more than competition success—they represent years of artistic development, discipline, and generosity among colleagues, and the belief that each student can achieve far more than they first imagine.

Recent First-Place Awards

Faculty

Peter Billmann

• Lecturer, Jazz Guitar

• billmanp@uwm.edu
• Kenilworth Square East 593

Elina Chekan

• Lecturer, Classical Guitar
• Director, Suzuki Guitar

• echekan@uwm.edu
• Music Building M141

Rene Izquierdo

• Distinguished Professor, Classical Guitar
• Area Head, Guitar
• Director, Guitar Ensemble
• Chamber Music Coach

• ri7@uwm.edu
• 414-324-7570
• Kenilworth Square East 507

Kevin Loh

• Lecturer, Classical Guitar

• kloh@uwm.edu
• Kenilworth Square East

Irina Yanovskaya

• Music Coach, Suzuki Guitar

• yanovska@uwm.edu
• Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts 230B