Scott Sanchez, Guitarist

Originally from Colorado, Scott Sanchez's playing has been described as "Colorful and poignant" (Soundboard Magazine, U.S.A.) and “Very engaging, virtuosic and spirited” (David Leisner, Chair of the classical guitar program at the Manhattan School of Music). Referring to his British debut Classical Guitar Magazine (Great Britain) said, “Sanchez drew the audience into his playing with his excellent performance... a performance which at times was introspective and at others extrovert.” Some of the ’s past concert seasons have included recitals and masterclasses for the New York City Classical Guitar Society; New England Guitar Society in Milford, Connecticut; St. Bride’s Church in London, England; Bournemouth University in Dorset, England; King’s Chapel in Boston, Massachusetts; University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky; and Ventura Classical Guitar Society in Camarillo, California.

Sanchez's four cds on Intraspect Productions cover a vast repertoire spanning the music of the Baroque era to modern day masterpieces. He recently recorded two concert etudes by Ricardo Iznaola, for the Contemporary Anthology of Solo Guitar Music for Five Fingers of the Right Hand, published by Mel Bay Publications. In a review of his most recent cd, entitled Lattice Work, Classical Guitar Magazine stated: “It must be said that throughout this hour's worth of music, Scott Sanchez shows himself in a very good light: he has the finesse and the musicianship to bring out the best in his chosen programme: his rich-toned phrasing and 'colouring' is very expressive and finely calculated yet having a naturalness to it. The disc is superbly recorded and the playing throughout is exemplary with Sanchez taking great care with details such as tone and phrasing and he has a charming way of fashioning the melodic lines from his guitar.” In addition to his solo concerts, Sanchez has also frequently performed with chamber musicians, choral groups, and as soloist with orchestra. Scott Sanchez is also active as a writer on music and his articles have frequently been published in international periodicals such as Soundboard Magazine (U.S.A.) and Classical Guitar Magazine (Great Britain).

He has taught at Wesleyan University, Trinity College, UMass Amherst, and Springfield College. He is currently on the music faculty at Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Denver as a student of the Cuban classical guitarist, Ricardo Iznaola, and graduated with a Master of Music degree from Yale University where he was a student of the American classical guitarist, Benjamin Verdery. As a student, he also performed in masterclasses for renowned guitarists such as Eliot Fisk, David Russell, Scott Tennant and Pepe Romero, among others.

It is my belief that all students, regardless of their age or level of experience, are able to benefit from the rewarding study of music. I enjoy teaching students of all ages and levels from beginning to advanced. It has been my experience that students who get a solid technical foundation in note reading, music theory and aural skills are able to reach their goals in any musical style. It is for this reason that lessons are primarily focused on classical guitar skills, as this skill is rewarding in and of itself, and will also help students with all styles.

I also have a background in Pop, Rock, and Jazz improvisation, and I have found that a mix of musical genres can be integrated into lessons, creating an enriching and enjoyable experience. Ensemble music making is a rewarding experience for students, and much of the focus of lessons involves playing duets with students. I also like to create opportunities for students to play music in ensembles with each other.

Music is a universal language to be shared with others, and the ultimate goal of lessons ideally leads to performance. I encourage students to play for family, friends and in musical recitals. Whatever one's musical aspirations, I look forward to the opportunity of helping students reach their goals."

-Scott Sanchez