About

Matt Palmer ranks among the elite virtuosos of his generation of classical guitarists. A recent recipient of the “Up and Coming Guitarist of the Year” award by Guitar International Magazine, Matt is gaining worldwide recognition as a virtuosic and soulful concert artist. His performances have been described as “powerful and emotional,” and “highly expressive and technically virtuosic.” An active performer, winner of numerous guitar competitions, and author of The Virtuoso Guitarist method, Matt is emerging as a major force in the modern guitar world.

His debut CD, Un tiempo fue Itálica famosa, has been applauded by Guitar International Magazine as “an album of the highest quality. Palmer performs with flawless technique, deep levels of personal expression, and an artistic integrity that seems far too rare these days.” Classical Voice of North Carolina proclaims Matt’s “positively nuclear” debut displays “stunning precision and unwavering accuracy enclosed in a huge dynamic envelope.”

Primarily self-taught as a youth, he began his formal studies at age 20 with Dr. William Yelverton at Middle Tennessee State University, and has since received his M.M. at Appalachian State University, where he studied with Dr. Douglas James. Matt is currently in the final stages of a D.M.A. degree at The University of Arizona under the guidance of Professor Thomas Patterson, and receives further instruction from Artists-in-Residence David Russell, Sergio Assad, and Odair Assad.

Matt has had the honor of studying in master classes with world-renowned artists, including Pepe Romero, David Tanenbaum, Andrew York, Lorenzo Micheli, Scott Tennant, Denis Azabagic, David Starobin, Roland Dyens, and Aniello Desiderio, among others.

In demand as a performer and teacher, Matt has performed and lectured at guitar festivals and universities throughout the United States. Recent performances include concerts at the Tennessee Guitar Festival, Tucson International Guitar Festival, Interlochen Guitar Festival, WIU Guitar Festival, Las Vegas Guitar Festival, Texas A&M Guitar Symposium, and Appalachian Guitarfest. In addition, Matt’s pioneering method and workshop has been recognized as a valuable addition to guitar pedagogy.