Montgomery County Community College

In The Spotlight ...

While Chris enjoyed the Digital Audio Production program, he knew, deep down, that he was meant to pursue a career in music. At the mid point of his coursework, the College introduced its brand new Associate in Arts degree program in Music. Seizing the opportunity, Chris changed his major to Music, and he hasn’t looked back.

While playing guitar most of his life, it was at the College that Chris discovered his passion for classical guitar, studying privately with Daniel Boring, who teaches guitar courses at the College.

Chris explains that classical guitar is in the same category as orchestral instruments, such as the violin and cello.

“It’s not as popular as the typical electric guitar…you don’t use a pick and instead play with your fingers,” he said.

Chris also enjoys the repertoire available to him on classical guitar, which ranges from music from the 17th and 18th centuries to modern classical compositions.

“When I started playing classical guitar, I fell in love with classical music—studying other people’s music and writing my own,” he said.

In May 2010, Chris became one of the first students to graduate from the College’s Music degree program. He is already studying privately with Allen Krantz, a professor at Temple University, and in the fall he will transfer to Temple as a Classical Guitar Performance and Composition major.

Ultimately, Chris plans to pursue advanced degrees in composition, including a doctorate. He hopes work in the music industry, possibly as a professor at a college or university.

In an effort to cultivate his teaching skills, Chris began giving guitar lessons at Symphony Music in Montgomeryville, where he currently has 10 students who range in age from seven to 75. He has also played at a variety of venues throughout the region, including performances at Laurel Hill Mansion in Fairmount Park and at the College’s own Performing Arts Showcase over the past four semesters.