Jesse Washburn

Following a nomadic childhood spent at sea, Jesse Washburn grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he began studying percussion at the age of 10. At 17, he shifted his focus to classical guitar and went on to earn his Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance at Towson University under Troy King. He then attended the Levine School of Music as a student of Franco Platino.  

As well as drawing from a 500+ year tradition of guitar repertoire, Jesse is an ardent supporter of new music. In 2018, he was selected by the Baltimore Classical Guitar Society to premiere ...of Unnoticed Charm, one of several new works for the guitar at a concert titled Made in Baltimore. He is currently working as a Performer Fellow with the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music to premiere new works for voice and guitar.

Jesse has been a prizewinner at several music competitions, such as 1st prize at the Lieberman Music Competition and 2nd prize at the Appalachian State Guitar Competition collegiate division. He has also attended guitar festivals around the country and participated in over 35 masterclasses with artists such as Jason Vieaux, Denis Azabagić, David Russell, SoloDuo, and The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. 

As well as a promising performer and educator, Jesse is passionate about music advocacy. With the goal of supporting a robust local music community, he has worked closely with the Marlow Guitar Series and the Baltimore Classical Guitar Society, and serves on the Baltimore International Guitar Festival committee.

Jesse currently teaches and performs throughout the area, and is pursuing his Master's of Music in the studio of Manuel Barrueco.