Saro Babikian
Saro Babikian is a distinguished classical guitarist and music educator based in Los Angeles. With a profound passion for music and an impressive academic background, Saro has established himself as a versatile performer and dedicated instructor.
Saro’s musical journey began at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Classical Guitar Performance. Graduating with honors, he demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, reflected in his academic achievements, including a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree awarded Cum Laude.
As an educator, Saro shared his expertise with students of all ages and skill levels. He is the founder and manager of Saro’s Guitar Studio in Glendale. His studio consists of over 40 students of all age groups and skill levels. Some of his students are award winners in guitar competitions, reflecting the high quality of his instruction and mentorship. His commitment to music education extended to various institutions, including the Holy Family Catholic Grade School and 88 Keys Music Academy, where he taught beginner and intermediate group lessons, and individual lessons, respectively. Additionally, Saro contributed to after-school enrichment programs and served as a tutor for music theory and history at Glendale Community College.
Saro’s performance career is equally impressive. He has captivated audiences through his solo recitals and chamber music performances as part of the Thornton School of Music Concert Series. His talent has taken him to prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, where he performed as an AGBU Performing Artist. As a recipient of the 2017 Edward Hosharian Foundation Scholarship, Saro performed at the Rhapsody in Red, Blue and Orange with the Armenian Pops Ensemble lead by maestro Greg Hosharian. Saro was invited to perform the guitar concerto Fantasia para un gentilhombre (Fantasy for The Gentleman) by Joaquín Rodrigo with Port Townsend Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of maestro Tigran Arakelyan. Saro’s international presence includes a guest artist solo concert at the 3rd Yerevan International Guitar Festival in Armenia.
In addition to his live performances, Saro has been a regular performer at Mimoda Jazz Studio and has participated in the Groupmuse House Concert Series in Los Angeles. His dedication to music extends beyond performance; he has conducted Beethoven’s 1st Symphony 4th movement with the USC Thornton Beethoven Ensemble and has composed and arranged various pieces for solo guitar and chamber music.
Saro’s contributions to the field of classical guitar have been recognized with numerous honors and awards. He received the USC Thornton Classical Guitar Ensemble Award in 2020, the AGBU Performing Arts Scholarship in 2018, and several competition prizes, including the second prize in the G&O Andriassian Classical Guitar Competition and first prize in the IMKA Music Competition.
Fluent in Arabic, Armenian, and English, Saro Babikian continues to inspire and educate through his dedication to the art of classical guitar, leaving a lasting impact on his students and audiences alike.