Music: Mr. James Durkee

James Durkee holds a graduate certificate from G.I.T. and a B.M. in Classical Guitar Performance, Cum Laude, from Central Washington University where he has headed the Guitar Department since 1992. Throughout the U.S.A. and Japan, Mr. Durkee has performed hundreds of solo guitar recitals and has been a featured performer with orchestra and symphonic choir. He has premiered a number of new compositions for the instrument. Contemporary composers have been inspired to dedicate works to him. James Durkee was a founding member of the Yakima Valley Classical Guitar Society and held the office of president of the organization for an unprecedented five consecutive years. His students have earned the highest honors in national and state competitions. Mr. Durkee is also in demand as an adjudicator and has officiated local, regional, state and national competitions. He studied classical guitar with Steven Novacek at the University of Washington and Tom Bourne at Central Washington University and performed in numerous master classes with world-renowned artists. While attending the Guitar Institute of Technology, he studied with such luminaries as Joe Pass and Howard Roberts. James Durkee has released numerous recordings that are available throughout the world. For more about Mr. Durkee, please visit: http://www.jamesdurkee.com