Isabella Abbonizio is an internationally recognized classical guitarist and musicologist whose career bridges performance, research, and education. She graduated from the “G.B. Martini” Conservatory in Bologna, where she studied with the esteemed Argentinian guitarist Griselda Ponce de León, a pupil of Andrés Segovia, and holds a Ph.D. in Musicology from “Tor Vergata” University in Rome.

As a performer, Isabella specializes in 20th and 21st-century repertoire, premiering numerous contemporary works, including pieces dedicated to her. She has participated in masterclasses with renowned guitarists such as Judicaël Perroy, Roland Dyens, Frédéric Zigante, Paulo Bellinati, Martha Masters and João Luiz. Isabella performs as both a soloist and a chamber musician, collaborating with ensembles such as Artemis Duo (with Nicaraguan-American guitarist Katty Mayorga) and Aris Duo (with Italian flutist Sarah Rulli). With these ensembles, she has developed original repertoire, featuring new music by emerging and female composers. In 2018 she was featured by Ramirez Guitars at NAMM Show in Anaheim CA.

Isabella’s scholarly contributions complement her musical endeavors. Her main research interests focus on 20th-century Italian and French music, colonial/postcolonial studies, Italian music and politics, music and identity, and music education and have been published in prestigious journals and presented at international conferences and conventions, including International Musicological Society and Guitar Foundation of America. She is currently a Research Affiliate at New York University’s Department of Italian Studies and has previously served as a Visiting Scholar at New York University’s Center for European and Mediterranean Studies. 

An experienced educator, Isabella has over 15 years of teaching experience across all levels. She is a Certified Teacher and Examiner for The Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto (RCM) and is passionate about fostering musical excellence in her students who were invited to perform in prestigious concert halls, including at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Since 2013, Isabella has been the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Lanciano International Guitar Seminar, an annual summer classical guitar masterclass organized in partnership with the New York Guitar Seminar. The seminar aims to foster a cultural bridge between Italy and the United States, offering bilateral fellowships and performance opportunities for Italian and American students. Isabella is also the Co-Founder and Director of DalMaestro, a music academy in New York City and a participating school of The Royal Conservatory of Music since 2024, where she actively nurtures the next generation of musicians.
Isabella plays a custom-made Andrea Tacchi guitar.