Music, Learning, and Community
The Edmonton Guitar Seminar is a Two-Day event for classical guitarists, to learn, connect and enjoy creating great music together!
What to Expect - February 7 & 8, 2026
The Edmonton Guitar Seminar is more than just classes—it’s a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate music together in a beautiful setting. This February we are excited to host internationally renowned guitarist René Izquierdo as our guest instructor/ensemble director!
Where: Star of the North Retreat Centre, conveniently located just 30 minutes north of central Edmonton in the City of St. Albert, Alberta
Edmonton Guitar Seminar
Launched by Marsello Avilez in September 2024, the Edmonton Guitar Seminar has quickly become a vibrant hub for classical guitarists from across Canada.
This two-day event emphasizes small ensemble playing, interactive seminars, and meaningful connection in an intimate, supportive setting. Our goal is to provide educational and social experiences that go beyond traditional formats.
We’re thrilled to welcome two outstanding guest artists this coming season! In September 2025, we welcomed Natasha Pashchenko as our guest ensemble conductor. Then in February 2026, internationally renowned guitarist René Izquierdo will join us to work with our weekend ensemble — watch for details of his solo concert the evening before the Seminar. You won’t want to miss it!
We continue to grow! The success of the past three Seminars has confirmed a growing demand for a broader, more connected guitar community. Participants joined us from British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario — a clear sign that something special is taking shape. We are thrilled to host internationally aclaimed guitarist Rene Izquierdo for our upcoming February 2026 Seminar!
We've also launched exciting new initiatives to bring guitarists together. First, the Edmonton Social Guitar Club — a welcoming space where players of all levels can gather, connect, and share music. Second, a cross-Canada and International outreach effort aimed at building a network of classical guitar enthusiasts.
We are pleased with our ongoing collaboration with the Victoria Guitar Society and Ensemble and we're also thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Beubenreuth Guitar Festival in Germany, held each May.
We’re energized by these connections and are continuing to reach out and explore new partnerships for future collaborations.
Seminar Guest Artists
We are pleased to announce two outstanding guest artists who will join us for the upcoming 2025 and 2026 Edmonton Guitar Seminars
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Natasha Pashchenco from Victoria, BC is our guest Guitarist/Teacher. She will present “The Art of Practicing: Healthy Habits for Beautiful Playing” and will co-lead as our guest conductor in our ensemble work.
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The education programs led by René Izquierdo are proven, profound and dynamic experiences that help guitar performers reach the top level of mastery they seek. As both a teacher and mentor, he is known for delivering a balanced instruction that is challenging and encouraging at the same time. At whatever level they might be, he propels his students into excellence by helping them find themselves and identify the direction they need to go.
Events
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Rene Izquierdo Concert - February 6, 2026
LIMITED CONCERT TICKETS ON SALE OCTOBER 31, 2025
Contact Us
Exciting News!
Registration is still open for the Edmonton Guitar Seminar — happening for February 2026!
Interested in playing with a local ensemble? Check out our Edmonton Social Guitar Club.
You can also follow the Edmonton Guitar Seminar on Instagram or sign up for our monthly The Guitar Seminar Newsletter here.
Edmonton Social Guitar Club
We had a great time at our first Loft Concert on July 23. Thanks to all our guests for making the evening memorable!
Born out of the inaugural September Edmonton Guitar Seminar. Several local guitarists came together in December and continue to connect weekly through ensemble gatherings and live performances at the cozy Block 1912 Café, in Edmonton.
Whether you're a seasoned player or just looking to dust off your guitar and make music with others, we’d love to have you join us! We’re always open to new members, and this Fall, we’re thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity to collaborate with the Victoria Ensemble group.
Curious to learn more or get involved?
Reach out—we’d love to hear from you!