The contemporary national Ukrainian art of guitar performance is actively growing. In the latest decades it is experiencing a veritable takeoff. One of the primary objectives of modern musicology is to extensively study the phenomenon of Ukrainian guitar art, specifically its regional variations. The establishment of regional schools of guitar and study of prominent artists deserve detailed research. The article examines the multifaceted creative individuality of Volodymyr Dotsenko, the founder of professional school of classical guitar in Kharkiv. His artistic image is firstly pondered in the light of universalism. Such major areas of the artist’s interest are explored as conducting, teaching practice, research and socio-educational activity, which all lie in close conjunction with each other and contribute to the universalistic image of a modern musician. A specific focus is made on the early development of artistic universalism in Dotsenko, which begins in the early days of his professional activity. The article shows how the quality of education and upbringing contributes to shaping a multifaceted creative individuality. The analysis of Dotsenko’s performance style displays such universalistic features as a deep understanding of the interpretative idea core, stylistic and technical immaculacy in performance of guitar pieces from diverse styles, exquisite taste in selection of conceptual concert programs. Afresh approach to the teaching of guitar performance and years of experience in training firstclass performer laid groundwork to a corpus of academic methodical literature, which fully conveys the principles of comprehensive universalist development of a musician. Dotsenko’s teaching and scholarly activities are characterized by deep understanding of the technical aspects of classical guitar performance, a highly academic approach, extensive knowledge, precise turn of phrase, and colorful imagery. Meanwhile, Dotsenko’s organization skills brought about the creation of a unique ensemble: the Kharkiv guitar orchestra, as well as a number of academic and practical conferences and classical guitar contests. All of these events heavily contributed to further development of Ukrainian guitar art. Dotsenko is an example of Ukrainian creative elite, a unique musician, professor, academic, and social activist. The universalist traits characteristic of his artistic individuality, can be observed in every field of his creative output and are the main qualitative feature of his personality.