William Kanengiser

William Kanengiser serves as Interim Vice Dean for Classical Music and Composition and Professor of Practice at the USC Thornton School of Music, a position he has held since joining the guitar faculty in 1983. Recognized as one of America's finest classical guitarists, he has won major international competitions and Grammy awards, and is celebrated for his unique repertoire and dedication to music education and wellness.

His academic background includes:

• Master of Music, USC School of Music, 1983
• Bachelor of Music, USC School of Music, 1981
• Mannes Conservatory Preparatory School, 1974-1977

Kanengiser's artistic focus encompasses classical guitar performance and repertoire expansion, ranging from Baroque and Classical arrangements to jazz-inspired compositions and world music. He is also a pioneer in musician wellness, developing and teaching a course on "Musician's Health and Wellness" at USC, and advocates for holistic education that integrates music with broader academic disciplines.

His recent projects, including the Grammy-nominated "LAGQ: Latin" and Grammy-winning "LAGQ’s Guitar Heroes", as well as the 2023 album "British Invasion" with the Alexander String Quartet, demonstrate a consistent theme of innovative collaborations and narrative storytelling, bridging classical traditions with popular and global influences.

His accolades include:

• First Prize, Concert Artists Guild International Competition (1987)
• First Prize, Toronto International Guitar Competition (1981)
• First Prize, Paris International Guitar Competition (1983)
• Solo Recitalist Fellowship Grant, National Endowment for the Arts (twice)
• INDIE Award for Best Classical Recording
• Grammy Nomination, Classical Crossover (2001) for "LAGQ: Latin"
• Grammy Award, Classical Crossover (2005) for "LAGQ’s Guitar Heroes"

As an educator, Kanengiser has mentored generations of guitarists, including notable students such as Andras Csaki, Mak Grgic, and David Steinhardt. He directs the USC Guitar Orchestra and has organized tours for student ensembles like the Helios Guitar Quartet. His teaching philosophy emphasizes a supportive, family-like environment that nurtures individual potential without competition.

He is a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ), which has performed and recorded extensively for over three decades, and continues to be active in master classes and educational outreach programs worldwide.