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John Horne

A graduate of Duquesne University School of Music in Pittsburgh, guitarist John Horne now resides in Athens, Ohio performing regularly both as a soloist and with several area ensembles and running a bustling teaching practice. John’s wide-ranging solo repertoire includes swinging arrangements of jazz masterpieces by Ellington, Brubeck, Coltrane, and Monk, as well as the contemporary compositions of Pat Metheny, Michael Hedges, and Chick Corea. He also plays much of the standard classical guitar repertoire and enjoys singing classic rock songs by well-known artists such as The Beatles, Dylan, Paul Simon and modern rock classics by Sting, and U2. In performance, he loves to mix and match all of these styles, treating the audience to a truly eclectic evening of music.

As a teacher of music, John is proud to have the opportunity to share his experience with a wide range of students, some of whom have gone on to pursue their dreams at Berklee College of Music and The New School. In addition, John has taught lessons and workshops for students at the National Guitar Workshop and Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp. Working alongside area arts organizations John also gives guitar “informances”at area elementary and middle schools. He also has recently completed work on Raw Materials: The guitarist’s guide to mastering and applying scales, modes, and arpeggios, a self-published method book for guitarists.

Originally from Washington, Pennsylvania, John took his first steps in guitar at age 15 with Pittsburgh area guitarist and teacher Tony Janflone, Sr. Although he was first attracted to the instrument through the sounds of his favorite rock band, The Police, the lessons soon introduced him to jazz and the sounds of Wes Montgomery and Pat Metheny. By the time his junior year rolled around, he was performing with the high school stage band and won the guitar seat in the California University of Pennsylvania Honors Jazz Ensemble. During the spring of his senior year, John returned to the California University Jazz Experience and earned a best soloist award. He then participated in the Mellon Jazz Festival Student Jazz Spectacular, which included master classes with guitarist Emily Remler and then unknown pianist Harry Connick, Jr. Remler selected John for the guitar seat in the Mellon Jazz Festival Honors Jazz Ensemble. John was also nominated to the McDonald’s All-American High School Band and received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.

After graduating from high school, John earned his Bachelor of Music from Duquesne University School of Music in Pittsburgh, where studies with Grammy winner Marty Ashby exposed John to the role of Brazilian music in American jazz.

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“Horne’s knowledge of the guitar was simply overwhelming. His graceful ability to utilize harmonics while drumming down a rhythm on the body of the guitar allowed him to produce the sound of a three-piece ensemble while performing a solo arrangement.” Scott Agee speakeasymag.com

“Truly refreshing…John Horne makes the guitar do things you wish you could do, and combines his thoughtful original material with some nice jazzy numbers and whatever else you might want to hear.” Eric Leighton The Athens News

“Guitarist and vocalist John Horne has his roots in rock, but his education in jazz guitar. Along the line of extensive study, John has become a master of alternate tunings which give a unique and startling color to his well selected list of tunes by Dylan, Clapton, The Beatles, and The Police as well as jazz powerhouses Larry Carlton, Pat Metheny, and Michael Hedges.” Bruce Dalzell Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist

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Primary Instrument

Guitar

Credentials/Background

John is an adjunct professor of guitar at:
Ohio University The University of Rio Grande John also works with: National Guitar Workshop Ohio Arts Council Athens Community Music School Artsbridge A graduate of Duquesne University School of Music in Pittsburgh, guitarist John Horne now resides in Athens, Ohio performing regularly and running a bustling teaching practice. As a teacher of music, John is proud to have the opportunity to share his experience with a wide range of students, some of whom have gone on to pursue their dreams at Berklee College of Music and The New School

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