Workshop I (3:15pm-4:00pm, Friday, March 20th)
With Bradford Werner
“Creating an Online Income as a Classical Guitarist”
A discussion and Q&A session on building a passive online income as a classical guitarist. An examination of income streams for This is Classical Guitar and Werner Guitar Editions is compared with other peer models in the online world. Business models for full time income and practical advice for supplemental income will be discussed. Additional topics include building an online following, creating community, online academies, choosing platforms, online taxation, and more. Student’s are welcome to inquire about the validity of online vs in-person activities and the consequences to their musical training.
Workshop II (4:00pm-4:45pm, Friday, March 20th)
With Robert Wang
“Mastering the Invisible Hurdles: A Workshop on Right-Hand String Crossings”
String crossings present a common technical challenge that can impede the fluidity of a performance; indeed, their presence is only perceptible to the audience when they are not executed seamlessly. In this workshop, guest artist Robert Wang will guide participants beyond mere rote repetition and slow practice, exploring the true complexities inherent in right-hand string crossings. Whether you are navigating the rapid scale passages characteristic of Rodrigo or the complex counterpoint in Bach, the mastery lies in precise hand synchronization and a heightened awareness of the strings. The session will specifically address difficulties such as reverse crossing utilizing rest strokes and executing jumps across multiple strings, concluding with practical workarounds for common technical difficulties.
Workshop III (3:15pm-4:00pm, Saturday, March 21st)
With Liova Bueno
“From Soliloquy to Waltz: Writing for Guitar Ensemble”
An inside look at the creative journey behind Petite Soliloquy & Waltz, this year’s NWGF Guitar Orchestra commission. Through live demonstrations and discussion, this workshop explores how a solitary musical voice expands into layered ensemble texture. Topics include shaping melody and resonance, balancing clarity and colour, and writing for mixed-level players within the practical realities of ensemble work. Open to guitarists, composers, educators, and curious listeners interested in how music moves from page to performance.
Workshop IV (4:00pm-4:45pm, Saturday, March 21st)
With Marsello Avilez
“Before the Silence: Technical Efficiency, Relaxation, and Physical Preparation for Classical Guitar Performance”
This 45-minute workshop is intended for classical guitarists and focuses on the role of physical organization and neuromuscular preparation in efficient technique and relaxed playing. Using guided movement and light elastic-band exercises, participants will work on activating postural support, shoulder and arm coordination, and wrist and hand readiness, while minimizing unnecessary muscular tension. The session will also address pre-performance preparation strategies, including awareness of breathing, alignment, and nervous system regulation, with the goal of improving sound quality, technical control, and physical ease immediately before playing.
March 20-22, 2026 