Guitarist Brent Crawford is currently a graduate student, studying classical guitar performance at the University of Toronto. His career has included performances with the Toronto Guitar Society, the Mediterranean Guitar Festival in Cervo, Italy, the Sauble Beach Guitar Festival, and he has participated in masterclasses with internationally acclaimed guitarists such as Manuel Barrueco, Jason Vieaux, Pavel Steidl, Rémi Boucher, and Alvarro Pierri. Recently, Brent has received top prizes at the Great Lakes International Guitar Competition, the Montreal International Guitar Competition, and the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals' National Music Competition

For the duration of his undergraduate degree, Brent studied under Professor Robert Kubica at the University of Western Ontario. Since September of 2010, he has been studying with world renowned guitarist and pedagogue Dr. Jefferey McFadden, and will continue studying with Dr. McFadden for the next four years while completing his Doctorate of Music Degree at the University of Toronto.

John Testar, Classical Guitarist

John Testar is among the new breed of classical guitarists whose performances offer a riveting, virtuosic style that has garnered favorable attention from his audiences. Performing accomplishments include being a featured performer at the Guitar Society of Toronto’s Young Artist Series (2012), as well as performing at the Sauble Beach Guitar Festival (2012).  Mr. Testar has performed for the Winnipeg Classical Guitar Society (2012), Ottawa Classical Guitar Society (2013) and will be performing in the Brantford Guitar Society’s Young Artist Series (2013).

John Testar’s upcoming projects include the complete études of Francisco Mignone, as well as the completion of a book of études written by Mr. Testar, slated for Spring/Summer of 2013. In 2013, John will be competing in the Montreal International Guitar Competition, as well as the Great Lakes Guitar Competition in Rochester, New York.

Testar has received two degrees in classical guitar performance from the University of Ottawa. Studying with the prolific composer, performer and pedagogue, Patrick Roux. Testar was granted a Bachelor of Music degree in 2009 and a Master’s diploma in 2011. The University of Ottawa granted John a solo concert at the National Arts Centre to display his performing achievements upon graduation. Mr. Testar has won several awards for his playing and academic achievements, some of which include the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2008), The Domaine Forget Music Academy Scholarship (2008-2010, St-Irenée, Québec) and the ‘Couleur F.M’ scholarship (Québec).

Currently, John Testar is a second year student in the Doctorate of Musical Arts degree program at the University of Toronto, studying with the eminent performer, pedagogue and Naxos recording artist, Dr. Jeffrey McFadden.