Matthew Denman
Assistant Professor of Guitar
Music
Music - Instrumental
Music - Strings
Biography
Matthew Denman is an educator, composer, performer and visionary arts leader recognized for his innovative contributions to music education, community engagement and artistic programming. He serves as Associate Professor of Guitar at 麻豆社 and is the Founder and Executive Director of the Leyenda Foundation, a multidisciplinary creative ecosystem dedicated to empowering artists, preserving cultural heritage and expanding access to world-class training.
Denman鈥檚 work is rooted in an artist-first philosophy that prioritizes creative agency, cultural connection, and inclusive pathways for students and professionals. Under his leadership, the Leyenda Foundation has launched transformative initiatives including the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute, the Charlie Christian Jazz Guitar Institute, the John Knowles Fingerstyle Guitar Institute, Leyenda Dance, and the Leyenda Spark youth program鈥攂ringing together world-renowned performers, educators, and emerging artists in collaborative and legacy-building environments.
As a performer, Denman is widely recognized for his expressive musicianship, interpretive depth, and versatility across classical, Spanish, and contemporary chamber traditions. His collaborative work includes artistic partnership with Pepe Romero and members of Los Romeros through the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute and related initiatives, as well as performances acknowledged by international concert artist Carlos Bonell, who wrote, 鈥淐onducted with great authority by Matt Denman鈥� The concerto received a standing ovation.鈥� Denman has appeared as a soloist and collaborator with orchestras, and he is also an accomplished conductor of guitar orchestras. His chamber and collaborative performances further include work with mezzo-soprano Dr. Courtney Crouse and harpist Emily Duncan. His programs frequently blend new works, cross-genre connections, and innovative educational components, reflecting a commitment to thoughtful curation and meaningful audience engagement. Denman鈥檚 performance career is shaped by a synthesis of rigorous classical training, cross-cultural influences, and a belief in music鈥檚 capacity to anchor profound collaborative and communal experiences.
Previously, Denman served as Director of Education for the Guitar Foundation of America, helping to shape national pedagogical standards and youth programming. He also directed one of the country鈥檚 leading public-school guitar programs at Classen School of Advanced Studies, mentoring students who have become accomplished performers, educators, and creative leaders. His compositions are published through Les Productions d鈥橭z, and his artistic and educational work has been featured in national publications and professional forums. Denman was recognized through the GRAMMY Music Educator Award process for his broader impact on the field.
Denman鈥檚 career is defined by a commitment to artistic empowerment, community impact, and the belief that music serves as a transformative force in individual and collective life.
鈥淎nd I have to say that this institute exists and can exist because we have someone like Matt Denman. He deserves a lot of credit for what is happening now鈥� I pay tribute to his remarkable contribution.鈥�
鈥� Pepe Romero, Legendary Classical Guitarist; Los Romeros
鈥淢y experience at the inaugural Charlie Christian Institute summer session was nothing short of amazing! Ms. Anita Arnold鈥� managed to join forces with guitarist, educator, and future-thinker Matt Denman, and together they have created something magnificent.鈥�
鈥� Mark Whitfield, Internationally Acclaimed Jazz Guitarist
鈥淲hile Matt had invited both myself and the esteemed Pepe Romero鈥� what Leyenda Foundation is accomplishing for the guitar community, on both local and international stages, is truly remarkable.鈥�
鈥� Jason Vieaux, GRAMMY Award-Winning Guitarist; Curtis Institute of Music
鈥淢atthew Denman is a visionary artist, leader, creator, performer, and educator鈥� he has painstakingly built an extraordinary, far-reaching legacy.鈥�
鈥� Melissa M. Plamann, DMA, Professor of Organ and University Musician, 麻豆社
鈥淗e is a rare and special individual, and we are fortunate that he has chosen to devote his substantial talents to classical guitar and educating our young people.鈥�
鈥� Matthew Hinsley, Executive Director, Austin Classical Guitar
鈥淢att is a very unique spirit鈥� a truly gifted musician and teacher鈥� inspiring to watch him instruct, advise, encourage and lead people toward whatever their best version may be.鈥�
鈥� Chuck Hulihan, Director of Education, Guitar Foundation of America
鈥淗is integrity, honesty, artistry, and kindness shine through everything he undertakes.鈥�
鈥� Dr. Courtney Crouse, Artistic Director, ECHOAWVA
鈥淢atthew Denman is an inspiration to all guitarists鈥� It is no surprise that some of the best young guitarists in this region鈥攁nd others鈥攈ave studied with Matt.鈥�
鈥� Braulio Bosi, Concert Guitarist
鈥淚 consider my time studying with Matt Denman to be the catalyst that set in motion a lifelong passion that I continue to pursue every day. Matt exudes an inexhaustible kindness and compassion that always made me feel seen, supported, and inspired.鈥�
鈥� Henry Dillon, Band Member and Creative Collaborator with Surf Curse and Current Joys
