The Piedmont Guitar Society (formerly the Piedmont Classic Guitar Society) is dedicated to creating opportunities for regional guitarists and guitar lovers of all ages and levels. Founded by a handful of folks (pictured here) in Winston-Salem, the society took off in the late 1970’s and was officially established as a non-profit 5013c organization by 1980.  Through grants, research, educational opportunities, innovative curriculum in the schools, supporting private studios, publications, and concert production, the Piedmont Guitar Society began its vision as a broad support system for all things guitar in the Piedmont area. 

Some key figures in the development of the Piedmont Guitar Society development included: Aaron and Lorraine Shearer, Maurice Fox (1st president and involved since inception), Paul Muncy (treasurer for 17 years), Pat Dixon, Alan and Sally Hirsh, Richard Matteson (president throughout much of the 80’s and 90’s), and Kami Rowan (current president since 2005). Many regional teachers and guitar lovers have been involved in volunteer efforts to maintain a long history of over 40 years.

Since its inception PGS has produced 100 concerts, countless master classes, community play-ins in local businesses and libraries, hosted festivals, competitions, held bi-annual community concerts for local school programs, teacher concerts, major community guitar orchestra events such as the US premiere of The Walls by Sergio Assad, two works by Shingo Fuji including a concerto for LAGQ with over 90 guitarists, and a tour of Iceland.