Massimo Guida is a Toronto-based Italian-Canadian composer, guitarist, educator, theorist, and copyist.
University of Toronto (Bmus. Hons., Mmus., D.M.A.)
Born in Italy, he later completed his doctoral studies in composition at the University of Toronto in 2019, under the supervision of Professor Christos Hatzis. He previously also completed his undergraduate and Master’s studies in composition at the University of Toronto, studying classical guitar under Canadian virtuoso Eli Kassner.
As an educator, Massimo has taught guitar, musicianship, composition, and music theory for over 15 years, working with students of all ages. He is passionate about sharing his enthusiasm for music with his students. He has experience performing in many different styles as a guitarist, both as a soloist and with various ensembles, including guitar orchestras, rock bands, big bands, and pit bands.
Described as a composer who writes with “a particularly strong melodic inspiration,” Massimo has won several prizes for his music; his compositions and arrangements have been performed by numerous ensembles in North America, Europe, and Asia, including the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra, the Mississauga Festival Choir, and the North York Concert Orchestra. Massimo is also interested in music theory, and has won several academic awards for his analytical research on Italian twentieth century music.