Creating Global Harmony with the International Guitar Series 

If you’ve heard vibrant guitar melodies drifting across the Bellevue College campus lately, it might be more than just a random jam session. Chances are, it’s the International Guitar Series — a dynamic program started two years ago by Music Department faculty member Naeim Rahmani, who sought to bring world-class guitarists right to our doorstep. Hosting six concerts per year — two each in the fall, winter, and spring quarters — this series stands out not just for its global roster of talent but for its hands-on approach to student engagement. Each visiting artist performs on campus and leads workshops that turn casual curiosity into up-close inspiration. 

Upcoming performances of the International Guitar Series are held at Carlson Theatre (E Building) at 7:30 PM: 

• Shin-ichi Fukuda: Friday, March 21 

• Petrit Ceku: Wednesday, April 16 

• Eva Beneke: Tuesday, June 3 

“We’re aiming for more than just performances,” Rahmani says. “The goal of this unique program is to create an environment where students can learn from world-class artists, engage in meaningful dialogue about music, all the while inspiring future professional artists to push their own musical boundaries.”  

And it’s working. Beyond the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet renowned artists from Europe, Asia, or Latin America, students get to dive into workshops, question-and-answer sessions, and real-world discussions on everything from technique to music theory to industry insights. 

Other schools benefit too. High school guitar ensembles frequently open these concerts, giving younger players a shot at performing for larger audiences in a collegiate environment. For the April performance, Chiawana High School will spend the day working with Rahmani, then open for the internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Petrit Çeku that evening. It’s an incredible chance for budding musicians to gain experience, confidence, and a broader perspective on what’s possible in the world of guitar. 

Bellevue College President Dr. David May underscores the institution’s commitment to the arts, remarking, “We want Bellevue College to be an epicenter for creativity in this region. Our hope is to encourage the community to embrace artistic expression of all kinds, while fostering a spirit of open cultural exchange.”  

By keeping these concerts accessible to the public, the International Guitar Series elevates campus life and unites the broader community in a shared musical journey. 

Rahmani’s personal story also enriches this program. Born in Iran and arriving in the United States as a refugee, he started playing the guitar when attending Edmonds College in his 20s. He went on to steadily build an international reputation in classical guitar, earning accolades like a 2022 Goethe-Institut Residency Award and a 2023 CityArtist Award from the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture. Closer to home, he’s recognized for the Seattle-Isfahan Project, a collective of Iranian and Seattle-based musicians who collaborate on fresh works for the guitar repertoire — an endeavor backed by Artist Trust, 4Culture, the Bellevue Arts Program, and the Goethe-Institut. 

This excitement extends beyond the classroom, resonating throughout Bellevue. Bellevue College’s Music Department Program Chair Thomas Almli notes, “Supporting the arts isn’t just about entertainment — it’s about building a sense of community with shared purpose.”  

Almli points out that by hosting six guitar concerts a year featuring acclaimed international artists, in addition to many other music concerts and events — plus workshops and guest performers from local schools —Bellevue College demonstrates just how powerfully an educational institution can shape cultural identity.  

“The moment you see a high school student step onto our stage,” Almli explains, “you’re witnessing individual growth, not just in music but in confidence and community connection.” 

Rahmani’s drive for innovation carries over to his role at Bellevue College, where he directs the only full-fledged holistic guitar program of its kind in the area. Students explore both the traditional roots of guitar and experimental directions that blend classical, jazz, rock, flamenco, or even electronic elements. There are also advanced individual instruction and group classes Rahmani couldn’t find when he was pursuing his music degree. The result? A melting pot of inspiration and newfound possibilities, all contained within the walls of our very own campus. 

From Rahmani’s journey as a refugee-turned-award-winning musician to the college’s unwavering support for the arts, the International Guitar Series is a prime example of collaboration, inclusivity, and artistic exploration. Students here get a front-row seat to the international nature of guitar—discovering how their own creativity fits into a global conversation. It’s a testament to the forward-thinking energy of Bellevue College: one that fosters artistic breakthroughs, champions intercultural dialogue, and ensures our campus remains a beacon of musical discovery in the Pacific Northwest.