Hello everyone,
My name is Gabriel Quintero, and I am a Venezuelan classical guitarist preparing to pursue my Master of Music in Instrumental Performance (Guitar) at the University of Toronto beginning in September 2026.
Music has been the constant throughout every stage of my life. From my early training in El Sistema in Venezuela to my studies and performances across the United States and the Dominican Republic, music has given me purpose, discipline, and a way to connect with people across cultures and backgrounds.
Although this path has required sacrifice, adaptation, and uncertainty, my commitment to classical guitar has only grown stronger over the years.
Through my work, I hope to contribute to the visibility and appreciation of Latin American and Spanish repertoire that is often underrepresented in traditional concert spaces, while continuing to grow as a performer, educator, and artist.
After immigrating to the United States in 2014, I continued pursuing my musical education and eventually graduated from Stetson University in 2025 with a degree in Music Performance under the direction of Dr. Orlando Roman.
During my undergraduate studies, I was awarded the Duckwitz Talent Scholarship, which covered my full tuition, as well as the Eshleman Singers Scholarship. Along my journey, I have also been honored to receive recognition as one of the Top 20 Guitarists in the United States through the 2019 NAfME Honor Guitar Ensemble, the Andrés Segovia Award in 2020, and the Premio Líder Internacional for “Solista Líder de Guitarra” in 2023.
I have performed concerts across the United States and the Dominican Republic in venues such as Steinmetz Hall, Harold Miossi Hall, Opperman Hall, and the Teatro Nacional Eduardo Brito.
At the University of Toronto, I will have the opportunity to study under internationally renowned guitarist Jorge Caballero, whose artistry and musicianship have been a major inspiration to me. I believe this mentorship and environment will allow me to continue developing both technically and artistically while deepening my work with Latin American and Spanish repertoire.
While this opportunity is a dream come true, the financial reality of graduate school abroad is extremely challenging.
The estimated tuition cost for the two-year degree is approximately $87,880 CAD, in addition to housing, transportation, study permit costs, health insurance, travel expenses, and daily living costs in Toronto.
Although I was grateful to receive a $3,000 scholarship from the University of Toronto, the remaining expenses are still significant. I also plan to continue applying for additional scholarship opportunities and working part-time during my studies in order to contribute toward my educational expenses.
I created this GoFundMe to ask for support in helping make this opportunity possible.
Every donation, regardless of size, would directly support my education and help relieve the financial burden of studying abroad.
If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign would also mean so much to me.
Thank you for believing in my journey and for supporting the next chapter of my musical career.
— Gabriel Quintero