Our Team
Marsello Avilez – Founder
Marsello launched the Edmonton Guitar Seminar with a vision of building a warm, inclusive space where classical guitarists could grow, connect, and collaborate.
Born in Santiago, Chile, he began studying guitar at the age of nine. By fourteen, he was admitted to the Faculty of Arts at the University of Chile to pursue classical guitar. He later continued his studies at the Catholic University of Temuco under the guidance of Cuban maestro Carlos Lloró Sosa. He currently continues his artistic development with renowned Italian guitarist Christian Saggese.
He has participated in masterclasses with celebrated guitarists such as Fabio Zanon, Frank Bungarten, Hopkinson Smith, among others. At the age of 20, he began composing original works for 6- and 10-string guitar. Two years later, he recorded his first album, featuring music by Francisco Tárrega, Isaac Albéniz, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Joaquín Turina.
His performances have taken him to cities across Chile, Germany, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru, and Canada. He currently resides in Alberta, Canada, where he is recognized as one of the region's leading classical guitarists.
Carson Sautner – Artistic Director
Carson is a former Board Member of the Edmonton Classical Guitar Society and currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Edmonton Guitar Seminar, where he works to expand educational opportunities for the classical guitar community in the Edmonton area. He has recently collaborated with Edmonton Opera and the Okanagan Guitar Festival as a performer, and the Kamloops Music Collective as a faculty instructor. With his performance degree now complete, Carson is focusing on competitions, teaching, and preparing for master's programs in Canada and abroad.
Karen Stevenson – Managing Director
Karen brings extensive experience in education administration and project management to her role as Operations Director. Over more than 30 years, she has blended her skills as a guitarist with a dedication to lifelong learning. In addition to classical guitar, she plays Renaissance and Baroque lute, integrating her musical expertise into her career as an Art Therapist and Expressive Arts Practitioner.
Karen has served in numerous roles, including Board Member and Registrar for the Edmonton Classical Guitar Society, Artist on the Ward at the University of Alberta Hospital, and founder of Sustaining Wonder Creative Arts and Wellness. She continues to refine her classical guitar skills and is deeply committed to making the Edmonton Guitar Seminar an enriching and inclusive experience for all.
Who We Are…Our Beginning
Launched by Marsello Avilez in September 2024, the Edmonton Guitar Seminar has quickly become an exciting hub for classical guitarists from across Canada. Rooted in a passion for music and community, the Seminar brings together players of all levels for two inspiring days of music-making, learning, and connection.
Our format emphasizes small ensemble playing, interactive seminars, and meaningful collaboration in an intimate, supportive setting. Unlike traditional festivals or competitions, we focus on fostering creativity, shared experiences, and lasting friendships.
Our first two Seminars welcomed participants from British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, signaling a growing appetite for deeper community and artistic exchange. In response, we’ve launched three exciting initiatives:
The Edmonton Guitar Social Club – A welcoming monthly gathering where guitarists of all levels can meet, play, and share ideas.
National and International Outreach – We’re building bridges with classical guitar communities across Canada and beyond.
Seasonal Seminars – With both fall and winter sessions, we now offer more frequent opportunities for learning and connection.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, amateur, or professional, the Edmonton Guitar Seminar invites you to be part of something truly special. Join us as we continue to grow a passionate and connected guitar community.
