This research project aims to discuss the interaction between my role as the guitarist per-

former in the creative process while collaborating with non-guitarists composers. The main

question governing this research is to identify how collaboration between the composers

and myself impacts the notation, interpretation and identity of the new musical work. This

research approaches a rarely explored perspective: focusing on the collaboration between

composers that do not play the instrument they are writing for. It is equally important to be

noted that the project involves a variety of musical genres, inviting composers from Brazil,

Australia/Taiwan, and Greece. There are five case studies: four with non-guitarists compos-

ers and one comparative case study with a guitarist composer. Composers involved in the

project are Sergio Assad (1952), Belle Chen (1988), Petros Klampanis (1981), Iason Marou-

lis (1999), and John Panagiotou (1995). The findings are intended to broaden the under-

standing of contemporary collaborative practices in the compositional process for the guitar.

The research material (commissioned works) will not only extend the guitar repertoire into

new and exciting territories but will also test the technical possibilities of the instrument and

offer a range of solutions to problems. This project involves proactive collaboration at all

stages of the creative process.

This thesis documents, contextualises and illuminates the collaborative albums Roots

(Naxos International Records, 2021) and Antithesis (pending publication). Roots is available

on all online music platforms as well as in the Naxos Records catalogue. A link to the CD

is available in appendix 10. Antithesis is expected to be released by Naxos within 2025.