“Matthew Denman’s program combined compelling musical storytelling with rich artistic depth, demonstrating the highest level of contemporary international guitar artistry.”
— Xinjiang Federation of Literary and Art Circles / Xinjiang Musicians Association, 2026*
“Denman’s music conveyed the vastness of the land and a profound reverence for nature, filled with the dramatic tension and narrative power of contemporary guitar music.”
— Asia Central Times, August 12, 2026
“... commanding technique and highly expressive stage presence immersed the audience in the unique charm of the music… He then conducted the guitar ensemble in a climactic close that brought the concert to its peak.”
— Jia Chunxia, Xinjiang Daily
Matthew Denman
Guitarist • Composer • Educator • Arts Leader
A prominent pedagogue and artistic visionary of his generation, musician Matthew Denman has been entrusted with enduring legacies, manifested through the Celedonio Romero, Charlie Christian, and John Knowles institutes, and extended into community through youth initiatives (Spark), Vásquez Dance, and an artist-first label at the Leyenda Foundation.
Matthew Denman is a guitarist, composer, educator, and arts leader creating connections between artistic traditions, legendary masters, and the next generation.
A protégé of Pepe Romero and Associate Professor of Guitar at Oklahoma City University, he is the founder of the Leyenda Foundation and architect of its expanding ecosystem of performance, education, recording, publishing, and community engagement.
What began 13 years ago as a selective classical guitar institute has grown into an international celebration of music, artistry and collaboration.
The Leyenda Convention, led by OCU music professor Matt Denman, now brings together world-class artists, educators and emerging creators across classical guitar, jazz, flamenco, music education and youth outreach. With its growing “living room” atmosphere, Leyenda creates a unique space where artists from different generations and disciplines can learn from one another—and where unexpected collaborations can happen.
From the legendary Romero family to the legacy of jazz guitarist Charlie Christian, Leyenda is helping put Oklahoma City on the map as an emerging destination for guitar performance and education. More than a convention, it is becoming an international arts incubator dedicated to connecting legendary masters with the next generation of creators.
Discover the story behind Leyenda’s remarkable evolution and the vision driving its future.
Strumming up a movement
by Rod Jones | June 2026
“I consider my time studying with Matt Denman to be the catalyst that set in motion a lifelong passion and curiosity for musical learning. In his students, Matt inspires a dedication to the rigorous discipline required to advance the technical craft of playing the guitar, while still encouraging and emphasizing the importance of patience with oneself and trust in one’s own developmental process.
He respects and champions the sacred, mysterious nature of music and is curious to explore all territories of experience that music can stimulate — from the emotional to the spiritual, and beyond. Matt exudes an inexhaustible kindness and compassion that touches all he comes in contact with. He is a profound light and a masterful teacher.”
— Henry Dillon, band member and creative collaborator with Surf Curse and Current Joys
“This institute exists because we have someone like Matt Denman, who shares the soul and spirit of my father. In Matt, we found the perfect partner — the true essence of who my father was and is.”
— Pepe Romero, legendary guitarist of Los Romeros,
“The Royal Family of the Guitar”
[Read Pepe’s full words → Publications & Press]
Wolves of Winter (Matthew Denman)
An advanced solo guitar work inspired by the stark beauty and wildlife of Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley. With shifting textures and evocative sonorities, the piece captures both the stillness and raw energy of nature in winter.
Published by Les Productions d’OZ (DZ 4321). Available through Les Productions d’OZ, Strings By Mail, and Fick’s Music.
Program Note – Wolves of Winter
Wolves of Winter was inspired by my time in Yellowstone National Park, particularly the Lamar Valley where wolves are often seen moving across the snow. The piece reflects the stillness of winter landscapes, the hidden tension of survival, and the haunting beauty of wildlife in its natural environment. It is meant as both a meditation on nature’s fragility and a reminder of our responsibility to conserve what we love and understand.