Matthew Denman

Press Kit

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"Matthew Denman is Assistant Professor of Guitar at Oklahoma City University and Director of Guitar at Classen School of Advanced Studies. He studied with Pepe Romero when the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute was established in Oklahoma City and later became the institute’s director. Denman enjoys a sterling reputation as player, scholar, impresario, composer, and all-around esteemed figure in the classical guitar community. From 2013 to 2018, he served as Education Director for the Guitar Foundation of America and is currently a 2024 Recording Academy Grammy Award Nominee for Music Educator. Denman is a people-centered educator.

 

A phrase from the baseball film Field of Dreams, “build it and they will come,” characterizes his success in guitar education. He works to create a multicultural experience for students of diverse backgrounds and cultures, and to reach out to underserved populations. His knowledge and perseverance have allowed him to become an effective and proven mentor. Denman’s commitment to excellence and willingness to challenge traditional music offerings, including his fierce advocacy of guitar education, have been driving forces behind the music programs he has established and made him a prominent pedagogue of his generation—a teacher who cares deeply and works tirelessly for his students."

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Soundboard Magazine

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Currently assistant professor of guitar studies at Oklahoma City University, Denman’s career is rooted in classical, Latin and jazz studies. His programs have received top prizes at competitions, including three awards from the Guitar Foundation of America. He is one of three recipients of the GFA/Augustine Award for Excellence in Guitar Education. His work has been praised in books such as “Building an Award-Winning Guitar Program” by Bill Swick.

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Denman has been a featured performer and conductor for music festivals and a guest clinician for several institutions, including Beijing Central Conservatory, Chamber Art Madrid and Artist in Residence for Guitar New Mexico.

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Denman is a Pepe Romero Artist and a Grammy-nominated educator who also serves as the director of guitar at Classen School of Advanced Studies. He directs the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute and has been the director of education for the Guitar Foundation of America.