The Linn County Fair 2019

The best description I could give of myself as a musician is a hobby guitarist who enjoys playing for family, friends and occasionally at church. I have always been a fan of the traditional Scottish, Irish and Celtic music but it has only been in the last two and a half years that I began to study this style of guitar. I am fascinated with the alternate tunings incorporated in this music and have enjoyed learning the history behind many of the songs.

My own personal story started about 11 years ago when I began taking guitar lessons from Nedra Millburn in Cedar Rapids. With Nedra I had the opportunity to learn a variety of music styles and to participate in local and regional music contests. In 2015 I met Dave Paris and began taking guitar lessons from him in Marion. Dave’s teaching helped me to grow musically from the good foundation I received from Nedra. Since starting to explore the Celtic guitar genre I have been learning and playing fingerstyle guitar arrangements written by Jim Tozier, El McMeen, Stephen Wake and Al Petteway.

My first public playing experiences were at the fall Marion Farmer’s Market in 2017 and at the Linn County Fair last summer. I have also been playing at some local assisted living facilities and have provided background music at a couple of Eastern Iowa Arts Academy art classes. My musical passion is to share the traditional Celtic songs I have so much enjoyed learning.