ALEIA GONZALEZ

Aleia Gonzalez, a Paraguayan-born classical guitarist, began her musical journey at the age of eight. She pursued her studies at the Clave de Sol Conservatory in Asunción, where she earned a diploma as a Classical Guitar Instructor. Alongside her musical education, she obtained a bachelor's degree in accounting from the Catholic University Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. She later earned a Master of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, studying under Dr. Bráulio Bosi.

Throughout her career, Aleia has enriched her artistry by participating in masterclasses with some of the world’s most esteemed guitarists, including Leo Brouwer, Berta Rojas, the Siqueira-Lima Duo, and Brad DeRoche. Now based in Great Bend, Kansas, she is an active performer in the Kansas City metropolitan area, frequently collaborating with vocalists, instrumentalists, and ensembles. Her recent collaborations include performances with the Kansas City Chorale, the Salina Symphony, a South American music duet with Dr. Alejandro Avila, and the newly founded Jopara Ensemble.

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Aleia's musicianship has earned her numerous awards and recognitions. In 2024, her ensemble, Jopara Ensemble, received a prestigious grant from the Koch Cultural Trust. In 2021, she was invited to record with Guitar Salon International in Santa Monica, California. She was also awarded a grant from the UMKC Women’s Council in 2019 to participate in the Cortona Sessions for New Music in Italy, where she premiered two contemporary chamber music pieces. Additionally, she was selected to perform with the Pu Rory ensemble, a 25-guitar ensemble led by Paraguayan virtuoso Berta Rojas, and has received honors at the Momento Musical International Competition in Paraguay.

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Aleia's international experience includes performing in the production of Carmen with the Vocal Academy of Opera in Bodrum, Turkey, and premiering new works at the Cortona Sessions for New Music in Italy. In the U.S., she has been featured in prestigious concert series such as the Ruel Joyce Recital Series, the Benny C. Morgan Concert Series, and the Salt Creek Salt Festival, as well as multiple university performances across the Midwest.

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Beyond performance, Aleia is dedicated to fostering the classical guitar community. Since 2020, she has served as Treasurer and Membership Chair of the Kansas City Guitar Society and regularly performs in their Casual Concert Series. In 2023, she joined the Salt Creek Song Festival as a board member and Treasurer. She has also been a staff member of the International Piano Professionals Association since 2022.

Education remains a cornerstone of Aleia’s musical life. She currently teaches guitar at Barton Community College, Kansas Wesleyan University, and Joyful Noise Studios. Previously, she has held teaching positions at Washburn University, Rockhurst University, and MidAmerica Nazarene University.

When she’s not performing or teaching, Aleia enjoys cooking, shopping, and spending time outdoors, enjoying the sunshine.