What artists, educators, and students say about Matthew Denman
Matthew Denman’s work as a guitarist, educator, and cultural leader has inspired students, colleagues, and world-renowned artists alike. From international legends to community voices, these endorsements highlight his vision, artistry, and commitment to building a welcoming, transformative musical community.
Spotlight Voices
**“My experience at the inaugural Charlie Christian Institute summer session was nothing short of amazing! Ms. Anita Arnold has proven herself to be a true national treasure, and her work in resurrecting the Charlie Christian legacy is astounding. True to form, she managed to join forces with guitarist, educator, and future-thinker Matt Denman, and together they have created something magnificent.
The instruments we utilize to bring the sound of jazz to life are all born of their European classical predecessors. By connecting the formidable Romero Guitar tradition with that of the late Charlie Christian, a beautifully symbiotic relationship has been created—and it is my great honor to be counted among those making a contribution to help promote the legacy of both and solidify their presence for years to come.”**
— Mark Whitfield, Internationally Acclaimed Jazz Guitarist
World-Renowned Artists
**“And I have to say that this institute exists and can exist because we have someone like Matt Denman, who he himself has a parallel soul and spirit to my father. So he believes and is that which my father expressed and was. So in Matt, my brother and I, my nephews, we found the perfect partner. For we all can feel the true spirit and the essence of who my father was and who my father is.
Through the years of working together with Matt Denman as the director of the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute, I’ve had the opportunity to witness his extraordinary ability as a great educator, bringing together the guitar and students from all over the world, across all ages. It is my great pleasure to pay tribute to his remarkable contribution.”**
— Pepe Romero, Legendary Classical Guitarist, Founding Member of Los Romeros
“During my two visits to Oklahoma City for the Leyenda Foundation, I had the privilege of performing and leading masterclasses for passionate audiences and budding classical guitarists. While Matt had invited both myself and the esteemed Pepe Romero to share our art with the thriving classical guitar community Matt has so carefully nurtured over the past two decades, I soon realized that what Leyenda Foundation is accomplishing on a city-wide scale is even more inspiring. Their efforts to provide access to world-class performances, collaborations, and educational outreach at every economic level of the community are truly remarkable. When Matt invited me to become a regular guest for Leyenda’s programs, I was eager to help expand their impact across the nation, offering inspiration and musical education to the next generation. I look forward to contributing to their mission of inspiring and empowering the artistic youth of Oklahoma City and beyond for many years to come.”
— Jason Vieaux, Grammy Award–Winning Guitarist, Curtis Institute of Music Faculty
“But especially I need to thank Matt. His total dedication to the students, his love for the guitar, and the vision he has for the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute are making it into one of the most important and special things in the guitar world. He deserves our gratitude—he has all of our thanks.”
— Susan Lamborghini, Former Vice President, Columbia Artists Management; Co-Founder, Guitar Gallery of Houston; Past President, Houston Classic Guitar Society
“Thank you Matt, for your thoughtful advice to the students, and for your hard work on behalf of guitar education! It was delightful to have you join us in Oberlin!”
— Stephen Aron, Oberlin Conservatory (2025)
“He is a rare and special individual, and we are fortunate that he has chosen to devote his substantial talents to classical guitar and educating our young people.”
— Matthew Hinsley, Executive Director, Austin Classical Guitar; Author of Form & Essence and Creativity to Community
“Conducted with great authority by Matt Denman… The concerto received a standing ovation.”
— Carlos Bonell, International Concert Guitarist and Professor, Royal College of Music (London)
“I have been fortunate to collaborate with Matt as an artist and to witness his dedication as a teacher. His integrity, honesty, artistry, and kindness shine through everything he undertakes. His imagination and drive to make the artistic world a better place are unmatched.”
— Dr. Courtney Crouse, Artistic Director, ECHO: Amplifying Women’s Voices in the Arts; Mezzo-Soprano & Educator
“There’s been a constant in Matthew Denman, who’s just such a wonderful human being. He had the right mindset and the vision that we had, and everything has happened so organically—blossoming into this major festival in my grandfather’s name. I truly believe that the spirit of my grandfather is present during those 10 to 12 days. I can feel it, and I know he would be so pleased—smiling on this whole thing.”
— Lito Romero, Guitarist, Los Romeros
”I attended the first Leyenda Convention out of collegial curiosity, unsure of what to expect. What a treat it was! Over the course of seven transformative days, I was immersed in an international, inter-generational, interwoven creative community centered on connection, not competition. Matt Denman has inspired a collaborative network of fellow artists who share a generosity of spirit, embracing music as a bridge to understanding. They listen to and riff off of each other's stories, melodies, and rhythms, discovering beauty, common ground, and a world of joy. Bravo!”
— Dr. Edward Knight, Composer-in-Residence, Oklahoma City University
Educators & Leaders
“Matthew Denman is a visionary artist, leader, creator, performer, and educator. Matt's performances are inspired and invigorating, full of life and evident passion for his art, and his compositions are innovative and mesmerizing, overflowing with heart and imagination. Keenly empathetic and kind, Professor Denman views each musician as unique and wholly individual. A master educator, he cultivates creativity and fosters limitless potential within his studio. A respected colleague, Matt approaches his work with humility and determined dedication, and he has painstakingly built an extraordinary, far-reaching legacy within the guitar community.”
— Melissa M. Plamann, DM, Professor of Organ and University Musician, Oklahoma City University; Author of Unnerved
“Matthew Denman’s vision at the Leyenda Convention left me spellbound. Meeting the Romeros and receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award through his leadership was an honor beyond words.”
— Ruth LeMay, Guitar Educator; 2025 Leyenda Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
“The Leyenda Foundation Conference, created by Matthew Denman, was unique and meaningful in ways I had never experienced before. Bravo to his extraordinary vision in building this ‘field of dreams.’”
— Kevin Vigil, Guitar Educator, Composer, Conductor; Founding Director, Virginia All-State Guitar Ensemble
“Under the direction of Matthew Denman, the Leyenda Foundation Convention was by far the best guitar-related event I have ever attended. He brought together leading educators, legendary performers, and an unmatched community of talent.”
— Bill Swick, Guitar Educator; Author of Building an Award-Winning Guitar Program and Festival Director
“Matt is a very unique spirit, a truly gifted musician and teacher who displays an enormous desire to help others grow and reach their own potential. So rare this quality is, and so very inspiring to watch him instruct, advise, encourage, and just genuinely care about the musical growth of others.”
— Chuck Hulihan, Guitar Educator and Director, Glendale Community College
“He is indeed one of the people to watch.”
— Guitar Salon International
“It was a joy and an honor to be part of the 2025 Leyenda Foundation Convention. Matthew Denman organized a wildly successful event that brought together stellar talent from diverse styles of guitar in a warm and welcoming community. Bravo!”
— Tony Morris, Host & Executive Producer, Classical Guitar Alive
Students & Community
“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
“Matt Denman is truly one of the greatest assets to the art field. He encourages, cultivates, and brings to life incredible opportunities and is constantly building his community. Whether you are a student new to the world of music or an already well established master, Matt brings everyone together in a way that all can grow. Some of the most amazing moments in my life have come from the convergence of so many of Matt’s ideas. As a student under Matt, I feel I’ve not only grown musically but also that I’ve established my sense of belonging in the world.”
— Kenneth Bender, Classical Guitarist & Educator
“Matt Denman is one of the kindest and most compassionate people I’ve ever met. As a teacher and mentor, he leads with heart, integrity, and vision. He’s not just an educator — he’s a builder, a doer, and a dreamer who turns his visions into living realities that change people’s lives. He cultivates communities where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. I wouldn’t be the musician or person I am today without his guidance.”
— Austin Keller, Classical Guitarist and Emerging Artist
"I have known Matt Denman since I was 13 years old. Matt is an inspiring presence who cares deeply for his students, and a thoughtful musician who approaches the guitar with creativity and a unique perspective. He is a force of nature whose ideas are shaping music education and many institutions. He has created opportunities for countless young musicians, shaping many musicians' paths and positively impacting the landscape of classical music. Me, and many people I know, are lucky to have been his student."
—Collin Holloway, Rising Voice in American Classical Guitar
“If a student needs to upgrade his technique, Matt Denman will show him how. If someone needs to learn musicality, he will do it. And more than teaching — if an institution needs running, he knows how to run it. Even if he doesn’t know something, he finds a way to know it and to achieve it. That kind of quality shocked me. I’d never seen anyone else do that.
I don’t believe in Jesus or any religion, but when I think about Matt Denman, I believe in Matt Denman.”
— Derun Zhang, International Award-Winning Guitarist (Guangzhou, China)
“His teaching abilities are second to none—not only in this area, but across the country. He combines compassion with patience and has the rare gift of meeting each student exactly where they are. Matthew truly paved the way for my career. His guidance has shaped the musician I am today.”
— Matthew Elder, Classen SAS; OCU Undergraduate & Master’s Student
“Of the many gifts a teacher can offer, I am most grateful for Matthew’s sensitivity and passion. His deep love for music is contagious, transforming the classroom into a place where students experience something truly meaningful and transformative.”
— Ryan May, Classen SAS; OCU Guitar Education Major
“Matthew Denman is an inspiration to all guitarists. His skills as a performer, teacher, researcher, and composer are outstanding. It is no surprise that some of the best young guitarists in the United States have studied with Matt.”
— Braulio Bosi, Concert Guitarist and Former Student
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