“Soulful and virtually flawless,” hails the Portland Oregonian and the Boston Globe writes, “In
warm, round tones, the notes of Bach cascaded from the guitar, every note correct and played
without hesitation.” Classical guitarist, pedagogue, and educator, Isaac Bustos is a top prize
winner in numerous guitar competitions and enjoys an extensive solo performing career that has
taken him to Canada, Central America, China, Europe, and all over the US. He holds a Bachelor
of Music degree in guitar performance from the University of New Hampshire, and completed
graduate degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.

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Dr. Bustos serves on the faculty at the University of Texas-San Antonio Department of Music,
where he is the area coordinator of guitar studies and artistic director of the Southwest Guitar
Symposium & Competition.

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* Isaac is an Augustine Strings Sponsored Artist and plays on a 2021 Martin Blackwell
Double-top cedar guitar*

Award-winning guitarist, Joseph Palmer, has earned a reputation as one of the most highly
engaging and dynamic young performers on the American guitar scene. His performances have
captivated audiences in cities throughout the U.S and abroad.

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He has won seventeen top prizes in international guitar competitions including the World
Guitar Competition and Guitare Montreal. Joseph holds degrees in Music Performance from
Columbus State University and the University of Texas at Austin.

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In recent years, Dr. Palmer has passionately devoted himself to sharing classical music with
diverse populations. As the “Performance Engagement Artist” for Austin Classical Guitar, he
gives over 50 interactive concerts each year throughout the public schools and
under-served communities.

Described by Soundboard Magazine as a "flawless musician, filled to the brim with polished
technique," guitarist Alejandro Montiel enjoys a performing career that has taken him
throughout the United States, China, Mexico, Central America, and Europe. He holds
graduate degrees from the Peabody Conservatory and the University of Texas at Austin.

In addition to performing, arranging and recording, Dr. Montiel directs the guitar programs at
Sam Houston State University and Lone Star College. Additionally, he is a highly sought
after chamber musician in Texas. Alejandro resides in Houston with his family.

"Virtuosismo" and "technical dominance" are the words used by the press to describe award
winning guitarist and Fulbright scholar Dr. Jay Kacherski. A native of New York, Kacherski
has given solo performances throughout the United States, China, and Mexico and has
recorded two CDs on the Sony Frameworks label: a solo album featuring new works from
Mexican composers and a duo album with piano featuring several new works from
acclaimed composers from around the world.

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Dr. Kacherski is on the guitar faculty at Loyola University, the University of New Orleans,
and McNeese State University, as well as the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.
Kacherski is also the Artistic Director of the Houston Classical Guitar Festival and the
Loyola Guitar Fest.