Isabella Abbonizio is a classical guitarist and musicologist whose career bridges performance, research, and education. She is currently a Research Affiliate at New York University Department of Italian Studies, Co-Founder and Director of DalMaestro, and Co-Founding Artistic Director of the Lanciano International Guitar Seminar.
As a performer, Isabella specializes in 20th and 21st-century repertoire, and is active as both a soloist and a chamber musician. She is half of 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 with pieces dedicated to the ensembles. In 2018 she was featured by Ramirez Guitars at NAMM Show in Anaheim CA.

Isabella’s scholarly contributions complement her musical endeavors. Her research focuses on 20th-century Italian and French music, colonial/postcolonial studies, Italian music and politics, music and identity, and music education. Her works have been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences and conventions, including International Musicological Society and the scholarly section of Guitar Foundation of America. Her book Music and Colonialism in Fascist Italy: Identity, Propaganda, and Ethnographic Representation. is forthcoming with Brepols in 2026. She 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 has recently been appointed Presiding Examiner for the RCM Adjudicator Certification Program. She is deeply committed to fostering musical excellence, and her students have been invited to perform in prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York.
Isabella graduated from the “G.B. Martini” Conservatory in Bologna, where she studied with Argentinian guitarist Griselda Ponce de León, and holds a Ph.D. in Musicology from the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”. She has participated in masterclasses with renowned guitarists such as Judicaël Perroy, Roland Dyens, Frédéric Zigante, Paulo Bellinati, Martha Masters and João Luiz.
Isabella plays a custom made Andrea Tacchi guitar.