Music by Ariel

A Classical Education

Classically trained on the guitar, I studied for several years with guitar virtuoso Celin Romero and have participated in a number of master classes with other internationally known classical players, including George Sakellariou, Greg Nestor, and John Duarte.

I like to joke about the fact that I also studied guitar with John Dearman, of L.A.G.Q. fame (Los Angeles Guitar Quartet). John was an excellent teacher, but I took lessons from him long before he became a big name in the classical guitar world, back when he was still a student of Celin's and before he went on to study at USC. We were a whole lot younger then!

Beyond Tradition

I became interested in many styles of music beyond classical guitar, studied composition and music theory, and branched out into popular, jazz, and latin styles. I learned to play pedal harp, took up singing, and tried my hand at a number of other instruments, including mandolin, violin, dulcimer, and concertina. Over the years, I blended all that I learned to arrive at my current mix.

Full Circle

In a sense, I've come full circle. Nowadays, I'm avidly studying flamenco guitar and cante. I'm finally performing the style that first got me interested in learning to play the guitar, before I studied classical. I was 10 years old when I heard Los Romeros play "Noche en Málaga," and it's been a love affair with the guitar ever since.

To make the journey even sweeter, I've added another beautiful and romantic stringed instrument to my repertoire. It is an absolute delight to be able to move back and forth between two instruments as the music itself beckons and to offer clients the choice of either pedal harp or guitar (or both!).

Selected Performances

Grand Canyon Shakespeare Festival
Northern Arizona University President’s Gala Reception
NAU Office of Public Affairs and NAU Special Events
Western Gold Dining Room, Little America Hotel, Flagstaff
Canyon Star Restaurant, Grand Hotel, Tusayan
Corporate events for W. L. Gore and Associates, Fort Tuthill, Luke Air Force Base, Grand Canyon Railway, Westcor, Flagstaff Mall
Yavapai College Elderhostel
NAU Elderhostel
Southwest Dulcimer Festival (featured performer and workshop instructor)
Prescott Folk Festival (featured performer and workshop instructor)
Plus, numerous private events, weddings and receptions throughout Arizona