Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in Asheville

August 2-4   85th Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival  The nation's longest running folk festival, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival showcases the top talent in traditional mountain music and dance during a three-evening festival at the wonderfully intimate Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in Asheville NC.  Come enjoy performances by hundreds of the Southern Appalachians' best traditional mountain musicians and dancers and celebrate the treasured cultural heritage of Western North Carolina.

Since 1928, mountain fiddlers, banjo pickers, dulcimer sweepers, dancers, balladeers and others have come to enjoy themselves “along about sundown” the first weekend in August at the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. At the  2012 Festival,  performers  will take to the stage for the 85th time in downtown Asheville at 7 PM each evening.

Tickets are for sale on-line before the event.

Get a link for the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival and other Asheville information on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

A Musical Tribute to Patrick County at The Blue Ridge Music Center

July 28 at The Blue Ridge Music Center: Patrick County, Virginia, is famous for its deep-rooted musical traditions. You'll understand why when you hear these two outstanding bands: The Slate Mountain Ramblers and the Country Boys.

 

As always, there will also be free Mid Day Mountain Music in the BRMC breezeway from 12-4 PM and the free Roots of American Music museum will be open 9 AM-8 PM on this concert night.

  Decades of playing music together creates a special sound that is evident when you hear this Patrick County family band, The Slate Mountain Ramblers. The popular stringband, featuring fiddler, Richard Bowman, has long been a staple both at fiddlers' conventions and dances in the northwest North Carolina and southwest Virginia area.

Fueled by Richard's energetic, traditional fiddling, and backed up by daughter Marcia's rock-solid, clawhammer banjo and wife Barbara's driving bass, the Slate Mountain Ramblers provide the perfect elements for a square dance; good rhythm and great old-time tunes. They've won their share of blue ribbons too - as a group, on their instruments and for flatfoot dancing. They even call square dances while they perform! The Slate Mountain Ramblers formed 30 years ago.

Members have changed over time, but for the last 20 years the band formation has been primarily the Bowman family with additional musical support from guitarist, Ted Ashe. This stringband has performed in England, Austria, and across the US but they are best known as a mainstay of the dance and festival culture locally here within the region. Dance boards will be out for the dancers!
 
The Country Boys are one the best kept secrets from Patrick County. The group has been playing bluegrass and gospel for over 35 years at fiddlers' conventions, festivals, churches and porches along the Virginia/North Carolina line. Great vocal harmonies and fine musicianship are their trademark. The Country Boys consist of Johnny Joyce on guitar, Tim Bowman on banjo, J.A. Midkiff on fiddle, Kevin Easter on mandolin and Donald Clifton on bass. Come hear why local folks think this group is one of the best in the Blue Ridge.

The Patrick County Tribute concert starts at 7 PM. Concert seating opens at 5:30 PM. Admission $8/ $5 students and seniors. Children 12 and under are free. Bring lawn chairs and the whole family. Picnics welcome. Smokehouse BBQ available. No pets or alcohol.

For info call (276) 236-5309 x112. Tickets are available at the Galax Visitor Center, Barr's Fiddle Shop, online at www.BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org and at the gate. The Blue Ridge Music Center is located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The summer-evening concert series occurs every weekend through mid-September in the outdoor amphitheater at the foot of beautiful Fisher Peak.

Family Gospel Picnic at The Blue Ridge Music Center

July 22  the Blue Ridge Music Center will celebrate faith and sacred music at the Family Gospel Picnic from 2pm-5pm.

This special all-gospel event will feature three of the best gospel groups from the Blue Ridge including Virginia groups: The Good Shepherd Quartet from Pennington Gap, and The Church Sisters (7 member band), from Danville. The Moose Family from Lowgap, North Carolina will provide song-sheets and lead the audience in a gospel sing-a-long at 2pm. Plus, there will also be free Mid Day Mountain Music in the Blue Ridge Music Center breezeway from 12-4pm and the free Roots of American Music museum will be open 9am-5pm.

The Good Shepherd Quartet began as an a cappella  group in the early 80's. They sing an older Appalachian Style of gospel music including rich, four-part harmony and complex vocal arrangements. Although some members have changed, the Good Shepherd Quartet has kept sacred music alive for thirty years as they traveled over much of the eastern United States to deliver their "old" style of music. They have performed in many churches, festivals and other venues including two performances at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. The Good Shepherd Quartet have been featured in several magazine articles including "Precious Memories" and "BlueGrass Unlimited", and books such as "The Crooked Road", a history of music.

Originally from the coal mining area of Dickenson County, Virginia, the Church Sisters, twins Sarah and Savannah Church, along with their brother/guitarist, Seth Church, formed a band in 2007 after the sisters won a WAKG talent competition. Since that time, the group has recorded two CDs and has been busy performing in churches, theaters and festivals across the US. The Church Sisters have performed with Rhonda Vincent, the Isaacs, Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle, Tony Rice and others. Their brand new album, There's You (July 2012), features seasoned pickers, Josh Pickett, Adam Steffey and Jenee Fleenor. Once you hear the Church Sisters powerful and beautiful vocals on gospel songs you will want to hear them again and again.
 
 The Moose Family is an old-time gospel family singing group from Lowgap, NC. The family learned to sing from their father, David Moose, who was a singer and instrument maker. Sometimes the group sings with guitar accompaniment but they also sing a cappella. The Moose family has performed across Virginia and have made many recordings.
 
The Family Gospel Picnic concert starts at 3 PM and concert seating opens at 12:30 PM. There will be a 2 PM gospel sing-a-long with the Moose Family (free with concert ticket). Admission $10/ $5 students and seniors. Children 12 and under are free. Bring lawn chairs and the whole family. Picnics welcome. Smokehouse BBQ available

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No pets or alcohol. For info call (276) 236-5309 x112. Tickets are available at the Galax Visitor Center, Barr's Fiddle Shop, online at www.BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org and at the gate. The Blue Ridge Music Center is located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The summer-evening concert series occurs every weekend through mid-September in the outdoor amphitheater at the foot of beautiful Fisher Peak.

Blue Ridge Music Center Features Appalachian Songsmiths

July 14 - For the first time, the Blue Ridge Music Center will host a special concert to feature renowned southern songwriters.

Larry Cordle

Larry Cordle was born and raised on a small family farm in eastern Kentucky. While a young child he was introduced to bluegrass, country, and gospel music, by his great-grandfather who played banjo, fiddle and danced. "It was our escape into another world, something we grew up with and looked so forward to, " says Cordle. Likely it is these early years that helped shape the great musician and songwriter that was to come who grew up in the same neighborhood as friend and multi-instrumentalist, Ricky Skaggs.

Most well-known for his hit song "Murder on Music Row," about the death of traditional country music, Larry Cordle knows how to masterfully weave his mountain upbringing and the virtues and vices of the common man into a song. Larry's songs have a raw sincerity and represent down-to-earth mountain people, their values and way of life in the South. His deep voice and relaxed presence on stage combined with an all-star group of pickers, (nominated twice for grammy's), has made this band very popular.

Cordle's songs have also been appreciated and recorded by well known bluegrass & country artists including Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Diamond Rio, Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins and many others.

Also a part of the Appalachian Songsmiths concert is "Lady of Tradition," Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road whose songs keep climbing the bluegrass charts but are even better live.

 The band's distinct sound and old time flair can be attributed to bluegrass-rich area of North Carolina from which they hail and borrow their name. Carolina Road's performance is a hard driving traditional sound with invigorating instrumentals and smooth blending vocals. The band recently released their second album,Back to My Roots, on Rural Rhythm Records.

Prior to the concert will be a special performance-talk on the "Craft of Songwriting" (small theater) featuring both bands. Limited seating. $5 or Free with concert ticket. 5pm. Call (276) 236-5309 x112 to reserve seating.

The Appalachian Songsmiths concert starts at 7 PM. Concert seating opens at 5:30 PM. Admission $12/ $10 students & seniors. Children 12 and under are free. Bring lawn chairs. Picnics welcome. Smokehouse BBQ will be available.

For info call (276) 236-5309 x112. Tickets are available at the Galax Visitor Center, Barr's Fiddle Shop, online at  and at the gate.

Come early and enjoy the free, new museum, the Roots of American Music. The Blue Ridge Music Center is located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The summer-evening concert series occurs every weekend through mid-September in the outdoor amphitheater at the foot of beautiful Fisher Peak.

4th of July Weekend Events: Cashiers Mountain Music Festival 2012

June 30 - July 1  Cashiers Mountain Music Festival 2012 The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Fourth Annual Cashiers Mountain Music Festival. Tickets are $25 per day or $40 for a two day pass, children 12 and under are free.

Bring a chair or blanket. No coolers, pets or firearms. Fireworks are planned at dark on Sunday, July 1. Arts, crafts, food, drinks and a children's zone. Musicians are encouraged to bring instruments for jamming in the park. There will be a local church barbecue fundraiser on Saturday, June 30.

Summer Tracks Concert Series this Weekend in Tryon

June 29, 7 PM - 10 PM  Summer Tracks Concert Series at Rogers Park.   This concert features the Russ Wilson Swing Orchestra. The annual concert series offers amazing performers under beautiful, starry skies.  The concert is free, however, a voluntary donation at the gate is encouraged. The donations combined with generous sponsorships provided by local businesses make the shows possible. Food and beverage are sold at the event.

Rus Wilson and the Orchestra entertain with big band music from the 30s and 40s including popular pieces by  Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman.

Rodgers Park features a 250-seat amphitheater made of stone and a reception/gathering area. A small creek and short trails meander through the park and there are rock walls and beautiful landscaping. Local events and performances are held at the Park including the popular Summer Concert series. The two acre facility is located on West Howard Street behind Tryon NC Town Hall and can also be reserved for private functions.

Opening Night at Brevard Music Center

June 22 at 7:30 PM   Principal Guest Conductor JoAnn Falletta and the Brevard Music Center Orchestra will kick off the 2012 season on Friday  with a full program of well-known classical music. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G major, one of Beethoven's best-known piano concertos, will be performed with BMC faculty pianist Norman Krieger. Also on the program will be Strauss's Suite from Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture and Schmidt's Intermezzo from Notre Dame.

The Brevard Music center is located at 349 Andante Lane in  Brevard, NC. Get more information and a link to the Center;s Website on the Brevard NC Visitor Guide

 

Hendersonville's Music on Main Street opens for the Summer Season this Friday

Music on Main Street   The 14th annual Music On Main Street concert series will be held every Friday evening from June 8 through August 17, 2012 in historic Hendersonville NC. Music On Main Street showcases a diverse lineup of musical talents, from jazz, pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music. Bring a chair and enjoy the music from 7 PM - 9 PM. Admission is FREE.

Tuxedo Junction will perform at this week's concert. The Hendersonville Antique Car Club will also host a classic car show in conjunction with the June 9 Music On Main Street.

Get a link for Music on Main and other local information on the Hendersonville NC Visitor Guide.

Brevard Music Center First Monday Concert Series: Georgia Woodwind Quintet

May 7, 12:30 PM The Brevard Music Center First Monday Concert Series will be performed at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd at 22 Fisher Road in Brevard NC. The Georgia Woodwind Quintet will present music from the early and middle 20th Century — including works by Paul Taffanel, Gordon Jacob, Vincent Persichetti, and Amy Beach.

Georgia Woodwind Quintet is a resident faculty ensemble in the University of Georgia School of Music. Since its founding in 1967, the quintet has maintained an active schedule performing woodwind chamber music from the early quintets of Danzi and Reicha to twentieth-century compositions. The quintet champions new compositions for woodwinds. It has sponsored seven Symposia for New Woodwind Quintet Music at the University of Georgia since 1978 and recorded a compact disc of winning compositions from past Symposia entitled Twigs: Winning Compositions from the University of Georgia Symposia for New Woodwind Quintet Music by ACA Digital Recordings, Inc.

The members have various connections with the Brevard Music Center and the area. Flutist Angela Jones-Reus, most recently principal flute of the Stuttgart Orchestra, is an alumna of the North Carolina School of the Arts. Clarinetist D. Ray McClellan, most recently principal clarinet of the United States Marine Band, gave a master class at the Music Center in 2010. The other three members of the group are all alumni of the Music Center. Oboist Reid Messich, co-principal oboe of the Iris Chamber Orchestra, attended the Music Center every summer during high school before attending the Curtis Institute of Music. Bassoonist Amy Marinello was a student at the Music Center while in college at Louisiana State University. Hornist Jean Martin-Williams also attended the Music Center as a high school student and is now a member of the Artist Faculty.

For the 2011-2012 season, the Georgia Woodwind Quintet is focusing on a recording of works by Gordon Jacob, Amy Beach, and Paul Taffanel. Their concert in May will include portions of these works, as well as other engaging standard pieces of the woodwind literature.

Get more local information on the Brevard NC Visitor Guide.

The Flat Rock Theatre Music on the Rock Series Features the Music of Abba

May 8-11   Music on the Rock Series: Abba Returns  The 10 concert 2012 series produced by The Flat Rock Theatre offers a celebration of music form country to pop to Sinatra. The Series is performed at the "Playhouse Downtown", located at 125 South Main Street in historic downtown Hendersonville NC

Flat Rock Playhouse Music on the Rock Series Celebrates the Music of Elton John

 April 12-14   Music on the Rock Series: Rocket Man - A Celebration of Elton John The 10 concert 2012 series produced by The Flat Rock Theatre offers a celebration of music form country to pop to Sinatra.

Brevard Music Center's First Monday Concert Today

April 2, 12:30 PM, held at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 22 Fisher Road, Brevard NC.   - Trio Solis.  Franz Joseph Haydn: Presto from Trio in C Major, Hob. XV:27;  Paul Schoenfield: Café Music;  Johannes Brahms: Trio No. 2 in C major, Op. 87.

With a dynamic combination of energy, creativity, and insight, Trio Solis ("of the sun") was founded in 2008 by violinist Corinne Stillwell ( a member of the Brevard Music Center violin faculty), cellist Gregory Sauer, and pianist Read Gainsford. Already distinguished as solo performers, these musicians have embarked on a journey together to explore the piano trio repertoire with a unique synergy of brilliant technique, probing musicianship and a wealth of experience.

Highlights of recent seasons include the Trio's debut on the Seven Days of Opening Nights series in Messiaen's exalted Quartet for the End of Time with internationally acclaimed clarinetist Richard Stoltzman. They were invited to be the featured soloists for the opening of the 2010-11 orchestral season in Florida's capital city, performing Beethoven's Triple Concerto in celebration of the breathtaking renovation of the historic Ruby Diamond Auditorium. Committed to sharing music by living composers, the group included the Piano Trio of Ellen Taaffe Zwilich in their Carnegie Hall debut, and enjoys playing the Pulitzer Prize-winningTempest Fantasy by Paul Moravec. They are also regularly featured artists in the biennial Festival of New Music in Tallahassee, FL.

Beyond their performing activities, the members of Trio Solis are devoted teachers and maintain full studios at Florida State University. Their students have achieved successes in competitions, have won positions as teachers and performers, and have been accepted at some of the top graduate schools in the world. In addition to masterclasses and school residencies, the Trio's newest initiative, Building Bridges, benefits community organizations through collaborative performances with outstanding young musicians on the verge of their own careers.

Flat Rock Playhouse Music on the Rock Series

March 22-24    Music on the Rock Series: Sweet Dreams, The Music of Patsy Cline The 10 concert 2012 series produced by The Flat Rock Theatre offers a celebration of music from country to pop to Sinatra. Held in the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown Theatre, 125 South Main Street, Hendersonville NC.

Get a link  and more information for the Music on the Rock series on the
Hendersonville Visitor Guide

Brevard Music Center First Monday Concert Series, March-2012

March 5. 12:30 PM, The  Brevard Music Center First Monday Concert Series presented at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd at 22 Fisher Road in Brevard NC.  The Blair String Quartet.: The Program includes
WEBERN • Langsamer Satz
SCHUBERT • Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D. 810, "Death and the Maiden"

The Blair String Quartet has been praised for combining "technical expertise and emotional fire." The Washington Post calls them simply "a marvelous ensemble." Following a contemporary music concert at Rice University, the Houston Post stated, "The Blair String Quartet is a composer's dream." Widely acclaimed in performances across the country, the Quartet has enhanced its national reputation through appearances at the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center, New York's 92nd Street Y and Merkin Concert Hall.

In April of 2012 the Blair Quartet will perform at Weill Hall in New York City, which will include a premiere of Michael Hersch's quartet, Images from a Closed Ward. Some of their residencies have been at the Aspen Music Festival, the Sedona Chamber Music Festival, and Dartmouth College, as well as appearances at the Colorado Music Festival, the Meadowmount School of Music, the Sewanee Music Festival, Music Mountain in Connecticut and the Maverick Concert Series in Woodstock, New York. They have been the Quartet-in-Residence for the Classical Fellowship Awards competition of the American Pianists Association, and the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival.

The Blair Quartet has received grants and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts , the Southern Arts Federation, the Tennessee Arts Commission and Chamber Music America's C. Michael Paul Residency Program. The Blair String Quartet is in residence at the Blair School of Music of Vanderbilt University. The members of the ensemble are Christian Teal and Cornelia Heard, violins, John Kochanowski, viola, and Felix Wang, cello.  

Get a link for the Brevard Musice Center First Monday Series
and more Brevard NC events HERE

Christopher O'Riley Performs in Asheville

March 3, 8 PM at the Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S Pack Square in Asheville NC - Pianist Christopher O'Riley. Brilliantly entertaining piano playing from the host of NPR's From The Top. Christopher O'Riley presents a whole range of repertoire, including works celebrating virtuoso pianist-composer Franz Liszt, O'Riley's centenary commemorative arrangement of film composer Bernard Herrmann's Psycho soundtrack, as well as the very latest from his own reimaginings of songs by Radiohead, Elliott Smith, Tori Amos, and others. Catch Christopher O'Riley, one of America's leading pianists, for one night only.   Get a link for the Diana Wortham Theatre HERE.

Click here to listen to Christopher O'Riley interviewed by Duncan McFadyen of WCQS 88.1 FM.

 

Christmas Event: Flat Rock Playhouse Presents Two Special Christmas Music Programs

November 30 - Dec 22    "Plaid Tidings" at the Flat Rock Playhouse   Flat Rock Playhouse season finale "Plaid Tidings. In this " The "Forever Plaid" sequel, the boys are back to do their Christmas special for the whole family. With heavenly voices and harmonies blending seamless from Pop to Christmas Standards, this performance will be one of your favorite Christmas presents. Wed, Thurs Sat.& Sun 2PM; Wed-Sat 8PM on the Mainstage at 2661 Greenville Highway  Flat Rock, NC

Holiday Special Deal: Purchase a ticket for Plaid Tidings and get 20% off your Home for the Holidays ticket

December 5 - 22   "Home for the Holidays" is presented in a Two-act concert with humor, warmth and high-spirited yuletide excitement. You can expect a new look at old holiday standards sprinkled with a handpicked selection of new material by contemporary composers and lyricists. An audience participation number, a few historical carols with a twist and a novelty number or two reflecting current views of the holiday will add variety and freshness to the traditional favorites. 8 PM performance times with matinees at 2 PM wed and Sat.   Performed at the NEW DOWNTOWN VENUE, 125 South Main Street in Hendersonville NC.

Get a link for the Flat Rock Playhouse and other Flat Rock NC attractions here. Find information about Hendersonville NC HERE 

November Music Schedule at The Purple Onion

November 3 - Scoot Pitman -

Music to satisfy that sweet spot in your brain.

November 5 - The Stereofidelics

Incredible musicianship from this young duo.

November 10 - Michael Reno Harrell

Our favorite singer/songwriter/storyteller.

November 12 - The Lonesome Road Band

Fabulous bluegrass band from Hendersonville.

November 17 - Galen Kipar Project

Folk, blues, jazz group from Asheville.

November 19 - Aaron Burdett

No other info needed about Saluda's own troubadour.

November 24 - Thanksgiving - No Music

Have a great day with family and/or friends.

November 26 - Gigi Dover & Big Love

A blend of rock, r&b, country & jazz - with a southern, soulful vein consistently running thru the middle.

Every Friday Night - Fred Whiskin at the piano playing Blues to Brubeck

The Purple Onion is located at 16 Main Street in Saluda NC. Get a link for the Purple Onion and other Saluda NC attractions, lodging and information HERE

The Flat Rock Playhouse Presents Kings of Country Music on the Rock Concert

October 16 - 31     Flat Rock Playhouse Music on the Rock  Kings of Country.   Summer Music on the Rock Concerts offer audiences a variety of music of well-known artists performed by exceptional singers and musicians.

Veteran performers Eric Anthony and Ryan Dunn bring you some of the greatest country songs ever recorded. This powerhouse of a show features hits from Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Keith Urban and many more. Fans of great country music won't want to miss this limited engagement event.

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story, a live music extravaganza continues on the Main Stage through October 30.

Get a link for the event and other  
Flat Rock NC events, lodging and information HERE

Celtic Thunder Performs this weekend in Cherokee NC

October 8   Celtic Thunder makes a one night performance at Harrah's   Celtic Thunder, the singing group from Ireland, are a composition of five male soloists who perform both independently and collectively and have become a household name worldwide!

The roots of the Celtic music are found in the Mountain's bluegrass sounds and instruments. The two heritage art forms have been woven together through the centuries and when both are presented in their pure forms, their common beginnigs are apparent. Event location: Cherokee NC.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Hotel - The 21 story hotel offers 1108 guest rooms including hair dryers, coffee makers and 42-inch HDTVs.  There are eight suites in the Mountain Tower, 21 suites in the Soco Tower and 78 suites in Creek in Creek Tower opened in April 2011. Common amenities include indoor swimming pool,  fitness room, free parking, onsite restaurants. Restaurants include Paula Deen's Kitchen and the Lobby Cafe. Casino action ranges from brand-new games and slots to dazzling favorites like Digital Blackjack and Baccarito. Rates from $79.     Check current rates and availability

Brevard Music Center Monday Concert Series

October 3 at 1:30 PM The Brevard Music Center will open the 2011-12 season of its First Mondays concert series featuring artist faculty from the Brevard Music Center.  Concerts are held at the First United Methodist Church of Brevard located at 325 N. Broad Street on the first Monday of each month (except January) through May. The concerts are free and open to the public as a way of sharing music with the community throughout the year.

The concert October 3 features violinist J. Patrick Rafferty and guitarist Stephen Mattingly. The duo will present works by J.S. Bach, Manuel deFalla, Maurice Ravel, and others. J. Patrick Rafferty has been hailed for his "exciting performances" and his "subtle and imaginative ideas about the music." Rafferty's solo credits include concerto performances with the symphony orchestras of Milwaukee, Dallas, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. Mr. Rafferty served as Concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Associate Concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony, and Concertmaster of the Dallas Bach and Fine Arts Orchestras. As recitalist and chamber musician, Rafferty has performed in New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and many other cities. Mr. Rafferty is currently Associate Professor of Violin at the University of Louisville and a member of the artist faculty of the Brevard Music Center, where he is concertmaster of the Brevard Music Center Orchestra.

Guitarist Stephen Mattingly has been warmly received by audiences throughout North America and Europe as a soloist and with the Tantalus Quartet. His recording of Franz Schubert’s guitar chamber music was released under the auspices of the Presser Foundation. In addition to his performing career, Stephen is the Director of Classical Guitar Studies at the University of Louisville. Mattingly earned degrees from the Eastman School of Music, the Hochschule für Musik in Dortmund, Germany, and Florida State University, where he completed a Doctorate in Music and was a Visiting Adjunct Professor. Since 2010 Stephen has served as President of the Louisville Guitar Society.