Bellevue College International Guitar Series Blends Global Talent With Creativity

Bellevue College’s International Guitar Series returns Friday, Oct. 17, launching a six-event season that combines global talent with student-driven innovation. Curated by Bellevue College guitar faculty member Naeim Rahmani, the 2025–26 series features world-renowned performers and a unique opportunity for students to collaborate directly with composers on original works.

This year’s theme is musical exploration. In addition to experiencing internationally acclaimed guitar performances, students from Bellevue College’s Guitar Ensemble class will co-create three original compositions alongside guest composers. These collaborative pieces are shaped by students’ personal stories, perspectives, and experimentation, resulting in world-premiere works performed live for the community.

“Working with a living composer is one of the most profound learning experiences for any musician,” said Bellevue College guitar faculty member Naeim Rahmani. “It challenges students to think about music as an evolving conversation, not just a performance. When performing works by someone like Bach or Beethoven, students can only guess at the composer’s intent. With a living composer, they can ask questions, offer suggestions, and get real-time feedback. The process becomes a conversation.”

These types of collaborations are typically reserved for musicians at elite conservatories or professional levels. At Bellevue College, they are woven into the student experience, providing hands-on learning in the creative process itself.

One student shared how transformative this opportunity was when working with composer Tom Baker, the first featured artist of the season. “Working with Tom Baker was very reassuring. Initially, having been introduced to the idea of Shendos [the original composition], I felt quite lost. I felt like the skills I’d developed were useless, and I didn’t have much to bring to the piece. Hearing Tom explain his ideas and concepts directly really gave me a deeper understanding and a new confidence performing his improvisational style.”

These experiences redefine students not just as performers, but as active participants in the creative process. Compositions evolve through dialogue, experimentation, and reflection, allowing students to expand their artistic voices in real time.

Rahmani’s curation of the series emphasizes artistic innovation, from improvisational soundscapes to handmade instruments. Each event is designed to push the boundaries of traditional performance and provide students with opportunities to test new ideas alongside accomplished composers.

“Experiential music education should neither be defined by limits nor reserved for the most elite musicians,” Rahmani said. “Instead, it should be a space for creative exchange, personal exploration, and global connection.”

With this year’s series, Bellevue College continues to strengthen its role as a regional hub for musical creativity. The International Guitar Series not only brings acclaimed musicians to local audiences but immerses students in the original composition process—blending education, innovation, and performance in a transformative way.

For tickets or more information about upcoming performances and featured artists, visit the Bellevue College International Guitar Series website.