Wilder Frets: Classical Guitar in the Wilderness

Founded by Oregonian classical guitar virtuoso, Tye Austin, M.M., Wilder Frets: Classical Guitar in the Wilderness is a fiscally sponsored concert series that brings elite classical guitar performances and masterclasses into the natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Imagine hearing a Bach lute suite echoing off the walls of an underground lava cave. Picture Francisco Tarrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" resonating beside an alpine lake, while audience members float in kayaks nearby a shoreline stage.

Our mission is to create a living dialogue between music, community, and the environment — one that nourishes both the wildness of the human spirit and our collective responsibility to preserve the wilderness landscapes that inspire us. Our vision is to transform the Pacific Northwest into an open-air concert stage — a landscape where music and wilderness coexist in harmony. Its core programs include the Wilderness Concert Series, Masterclasses & Artist Residencies, and Community Access & Youth Education.

Accessibility is at the heart of Wilder Frets. We believe that every young person, regardless of background, deserves the chance to experience the joy of classical guitar music and the serenity of nature. Our Free Strings Initiative provides classical guitars, strings, lessons, and mentorship to underserved youth throughout the Pacific Northwest — from rural logging towns to urban schools with limited arts funding.Through partnerships with schools, tribes, and community groups, Wilder Frets removes financial and geographic barriers to classical music.

Wilder Frets’ impact includes cultural renewal, environmental awareness, equitable music education, rural economic support, and artistic innovation through new music commissions. With high-quality audio, video, and live-streaming, it shares the magic of its wilderness concerts with global audiences. Each concert, masterclass, and collaboration contributes to a movement that celebrates the harmony between music, humanity, and the natural world. 

The organization relies on donors, volunteers, and partners to sustain its mission. Support can take the form of memberships, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, volunteer work, or planned giving. Every contribution supports performing artists, music educators, sustainable concert production, and cultural outreach. Wilder Frets is more than a concert series—it is a movement that reconnects people to nature through the transformative power of music.