Rotenburger Gitarrenwoche	Posted: July 24, 2010
Mitch performs at and participates in the Rotenburger Gitarrenwoche in Rotenburg, Germany. He performs for Olaf Van Gonnissen (Germany) and Paolo Pegoraro (Italy) as well as in concert on July 31, 2010.
Koblenz International Guitar Festival	Posted: May 17, 2010
Mitch performs at the Koblenz International Guitar Festival in Koblenz, Germany. He performs in masterclasses of Goran Krivokapic (Montenegro), Denis Azabagic (Bosnia), Alexander Sergei Ramirez (Peru), and in the International Competition.
Foreign Study with Professor Thomas Müller-Pering	Posted: May 15, 2010
Mitch departs for Germany for three months. He is the recipient of the University of Arizona’s Honors Undergraduate Research Grant as well as the Flinn Foundation’s Travel Grant. He will be studying with Professor Thomas Müller-Pering at the Franz Liszt Academie in Weimar, Germany. While studying in Germany, Mitch will be researching the evolution of interpretation of transcribed Baroque music.
Bassoon Bash	Posted: May 3, 2010
Mitch performs in the University of Arizona's annual Bassoon Bash.
Honors Sophomore of the Year	Posted: April 28, 2010
Mitch is chosen as the University of Arizona's Honors Sophomore of the Year.
Spike Lee meets with Mitch	Posted: March 31, 2010
Mitch meets with Film Director Spike Lee at the University of Arizona. Mitch was chosen for this honor through his unique interests and talents.
David Russell Masterclasses	Posted: March 14, 2010
Mitch performs in two masterclasses with Grammy-winning guitarist David Russell at the University of Arizona.
Sholin Graduate Guitar Competition	Posted: February 28, 2010
Mitch makes the finals of the Sholin Graduate Guitar Competition at the University of Arizona’s Holsclaw Hall. He is one of the first students at the University of Arizona to perform in all four of the program’s competitions in one year.
Private performance for Justice Sandra Day O'Connor	Posted: February 24, 2010
Mitch performs for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor at a private event. Video is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KwM1x2iUNw
Schaeffer Memorial Guitar Competition	Posted: February 14, 2010
Mitch performed in the finals of the Schaeffer Memorial Guitar Competition at the University of Arizona’s Holsclaw Hall.
Mitch performs at the William Wolfe Guitar Awards Recital	Posted: December 7, 2009
Mitch performed at the William Wolfe Guitar Awards Recital at the University of Arizona's Holsclaw Hall on December 7, 2009.
Mitch performs in masterclasses with Odair and Sergio Assad	Posted: November 15, 2009
Mitch performed in two masterclasses with Sergio and Odair Assad at the First International Guitar Festival in Tucson.
Mitch places 3rd in Beeston Competition	Posted: November 8, 2009
Mitch placed 3rd in the Beeston Guitar Competition today. He competed against Eduardo Minozzi-Costa (Brazil), Lars Rosvoll (Norway), and Jane Curry (New Zealand).
Mitch makes finals of Beeston Graduate Competition at First International Tucson Guitar Festival	Posted: November 7, 2009
Mitch made the finals of the Beeston Graduate Guitar Competition at the First International Guitar Festival in Tucson. He will compete tomorrow at 2:30 PM against three ph.D students. Each of the performers come from four different continents.
Classical Minds Guitar Festival	Posted: July 4, 2009
Mitch competed and performed in the 2009 Classical Minds Guitar Festival in Houston, Texas. The event occurred from June 26 through July 2, 2009. Mitch received 3rd Prize in the competition and performed in masterclasses with Jerome Ducharme and Douglas James.
Mitch attends Eastern Europe Seminar with Flinn Scholars	Posted: June 15, 2009
In May and June, Mitch attended the Flinn Scholar Eastern European Seminar with Flinn Scholars. The month-long Seminar went from all over Hungary to Romania.
Master Class with David Russell	Posted: Apr 23, 2009
Mitch had the opportunity to participate in two master classes with well-known guitarist David Russell on April 17th and the 22nd.
Norman Douglas Sholin Memorial Guitar Competition Finalist	Posted: Apr 6, 2009
One of 4 finalists for a recital held on Sunday April 5, 2009 at Holsclaw hall at the University of Arizona. Norman Sholin founded and designed the guitar degree program at the University of Arizona School of Music in 1974. This competition is in tribute to his memory.
William Wolfe Finalist	Posted: Jan 7, 2009
Mitch was a finalist in the William Wolfe Guitar Competition at the University of Arizona. The Winner's Concert was held at Holsclaw Hall on November 16th at 2:30 pm.
Freshman at University of Arizona	Posted: Aug 17, 2008
Mitch is currently studying classical guitar at the University of Arizona under the direction of Tom Patterson. He will also have a major in Math.
ASP (Arizona State Piano) Competition Results	Posted: May 11, 2008
Mitch received Superior ratings for his performance at the Arizona State Piano Competition at Arizona State University. Mitch competed at Level 12.
2008 Flinn Scholar Designate	Posted: Mar 27, 2008
Mitch has been appointed as a 2008 Flinn Scholar Designate. Information on this exceptional scholarship program can be found at www.flinn.org Mitch will be attending the University of Arizona in the fall to study classical guitar with Tom Patterson, who heads the classical guitar program at U of A.
Performs at Artist Gallery Opening	Posted: Feb 11, 2008
On January 31st, Mitch provided classical guitar background music for artist, Rusty Walker (walker-creative.com) at his opening show at the Heddenart Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mr. Walker was kind enough to write to Mitch with comments re: his performance at the show. "Mitch did an excellent job playing classical music at the Walker art exhibition . The engagement at a major Scottsdale gallery was a difficult one for an accomplished guitarist, as we needed a high level of playing that would not dominate the art. Mitch Turbenson accomplished this. His masterful playing added greatly to the ambiance and classic atmosphere of the art exhibition. In all black, Mitch made a handsome addition to the visual statement of the evening in an aesthetic environment. He played non-stop for the three hours. Although we urged Mitch to take a break, he graciously preferred to play on through. The crowd was very impressed with his high level of classical guitar. For any event in need of classical music, Mitch Turbenson provides class and professionalism" Rusty Walker, Artist
Finalist for Flinn Scholarship	Posted: Jan 27, 2008
Chosen as a 2008 Flinn Scholarship Finalist
Featured article in the East Valley Tribune	Posted: Dec 27, 2007
December 26, 2007 - 9:34PM Gilbert teen strikes a chord with music Comments 0| Recommend 0 Hayley Ringle, Tribune Mitch Turbenson’s family music room would make most musicians drool with envy. The 17-year-old Gilbert High School senior has his pick of dozens of instruments to play, From antique and handmade guitars, bassoons and a grand piano (his forte) to organs, keyboards and drum machines. He uses the various instruments to his advantage when he practices three to five hours a day. “It’s nice that you can create whatever you want to,” Turbenson said. “I’ve never done any physical art, like drawing. Creating music is something I can do.” The award-winning classical, jazz and rock musician excels at the bassoon and the piano, although it’s his guitar playing that he’s known best for. He plays the piano for music theory and the bassoon to help with phrasing and musicality. “I think you should get involved in all kinds of music,” said Turbenson, whose favorite guitarists include Prince, B.B. King and Manuel Barrucco, and whose idol is Stevie Wonder. “You should incorporate everything instead of being restrictive.” Turbenson started playing guitar 10 years ago. After private guitar lessons and a lot of practice, he realized around 11 years old he was progressing faster. It became easier for him to pick up pieces and perform at higher levels. At 13 years old, he began entering guitar competitions and doing solo performances at guitar festivals throughout the country. He also has played in recitals at Arizona State University, with various orchestras and privately at parties, weddings and at Gilbert High. “I enjoy performing. It’s a source of excitement,” said Turbenson, who founded the Gilbert High Music Performance Club. “Once you start performing, your nerves go away. It’s fun to play in front of people.” Turbenson has won or placed in several guitar competitions. In October, he won fifth place in the high school level at the Guitar Foundation of America world competition in Los Angeles. Two years ago, he took fifth place in the 15-and-under category at the same competition. Now, Turbenson is known around the country among professional guitarists, said his guitar teacher, Frank Koonce, an ASU music professor and director of guitar studies. “I think he’s an extraordinarily talented young man,” Koonce said. “I think because of his training in other areas (instruments), it has made him a well-rounded and versatile musician. He reads music very well and he’s able to experience music more thoroughly than many students.” Koonce mainly works with performance majors and more advanced undergraduates at ASU. Koonce made an exception for Turbenson about two years ago, and he’s the professor’s only private student he gives weekly lessons. “I enjoy working with him because intellectually he’s very astute and he’s curious about the music,” Koonce said. “He thinks for himself. We can have a good dialogue about the music, not just how to play but the interpretive aspect of the music.” Turbenson’s mom, Jane, can be thanked for the family music room, which also includes accordions, harps, mandolins, violins, banjos and ukuleles. She’s the collector and her son’s biggest supporter. “I just think music is everything,” she said. “I think it’s one of the most important things in life. I wanted him to be inspired.”
Flinn Scholarship Semi-finalist	Posted: Dec 27, 2007
Mitch was notified on December 20, 2007 that he was a semi-finalist for the prestigious Flinn Scholarship program.
Mitch attends the 3rd International Acadia-Guitar-Festival in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada	Posted: Aug 5, 2007
This festival took place from Sunday June 24-30, 2007. The artists and faculty included Alvaro Pierri, Eden-Stell Duo, Amadeus Guitar Duo, Eugene Cormier, Danielle Cumming, Canadian Guitar Quartet, Hubert Cappel, Carlo Domeniconi, Nickolas Goluses, and Pavel Steidl.
Mitch Attends Classical Minds Guitar Festival	Posted: Aug 5, 2007
Mitch attended the Classical Minds Guitar Festival from May 29-June 3, 2007 in Houston, Texas. The artists and faculty included Stephen Aron, Andrew Zohn, Randall Avers, Richard Todd, Valerie Hartzell, Valdemar Phoenix, Sabine Madriguere, Beau Benson, Lauren Kesgen-Guidry and the Kithara Duo.
2nd Chair Arizona State Orchestra	Posted: Mar 12, 2007
Tryouts for All-State were held on March 10, 2007 at Gilbert High School. Mitch was awarded 2nd Chair Bassoon in the Arizona All-State orchestra.
1st Chair Regional Band for Bassoon	Posted: Mar 12, 2007
In a recent competition at the Fiesta Region level, Mitch placed 1st Chair in the Regional Band for Bassoon.
Solo Performer with the Mesa Youth Orchestra	Posted: Dec 21, 2006
On December 20, 2006, the Mesa Youth Orchestra gave a performance of the Concerto in A minor Op 45, #3 for Bassoon by Antonio Vivaldi. Mitch was the bassoon soloist.
Mitch Featured in "Go Gilbert" magazine	Posted: Nov 15, 2006
The November 2006 Issue of "Go Gilbert" magazine featured an article about Mitch. It discusses his dedication to performance, practice, and scholastic achievement.
Mitch Wins ASTA Arizona State Competition for Classical Guitar	Posted: Nov 4, 2006
Mitch won the Arizona State ASTA (American String Teachers Assn.) Jr. Division for classical guitar today. The competition was held at Hendrix Jr. High School in Mesa, Arizona. He also placed 3rd overall in the Solo Competition finals. His placement helps him to qualify for the National ASTA competition which is being held in Detroit, Michigan early next year.
Mitch asked to perform with the Mesa Symphony	Posted: Oct 4, 2006
On Saturday, October 7, 2006, Mitch will be performing with the Mesa Symphony playing bassoon.
Mitch wins the Youth Solo Competition in North Carolina	Posted: Jul 19, 2006
On July 18, 2006, Mitch was awarded 1st Place in the Youth Solo Competition at the East Carolina University Summer Guitar Festival in Greenville, North Carolina.
Mitch wins Eastfield College Guitar Competition	Posted: Jun 25, 2006
Mitch took 1st place in the Eastfield College Classical Guitar Competition in Mesquite, Texas on June 24, 2006. The 1st prize award was $200. The requirement was to perform from memory two pieces from different historic periods.
Mitch featured in Arizona Tribune	Posted: May 26, 2006
On May 21, 2006, Mitch was featured in an article about an outstanding music scholar. His high school band director, Bob Edgar, said that Mitch stands out among his 10 years of teaching because of his excellence in playing all three instruments. (Piano, guitar, and bassoon) "He is phenomenal," Edgar said. "I think he's been gifted. He is blessed with some natural talent. I've had students top in the state in a specific area but what makes him different then anyone else that I've had here is he is so strong in many different areas."
Mitch plays for the Arthritis Foundation	Posted: Mar 29, 2006
Mitch played classical guitar at a Reception for the North Central Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation on March 30th at the Oakwood Country Club in Sun Lakes, Arizona and on March 31st at the Rio Verde Community Center in Rio Verde, Arizona. His music was followed by a program related to the latest Arthritis Treatments and Research.
Mitch receives a Summer Guitar Scholarship	Posted: Mar 29, 2006
Mitch was awarded a scholarship to attend the "Classical Minds" Guitar Festival 2006 at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. The event takes place May 30th-June 4, 2006 and will include lectures, classes, private lessons, small ensemble coaching and a Guitar Orchestra Class.
Mitchell makes 1st chair bassoon in the State Band	Posted: Mar 12, 2006
Mitch tried out for the Arizona State Competition in bassoon and made 1st chair Band.
Mitch makes 1st Chair Bassoon	Posted: Feb 1, 2006
Regional Tryouts were held on January 28, 2006 at Desert Ridge High School. Mitch made 1st chair Bassoon in the regional orchestra. The concert for this group will be Feb. 18, 2006.
Mitch performs at GFA	Posted: January 24, 2006
Mitchell competed in the Guitar Foundation of America Youth Competition in October of 2005.