Jonathan Roth

I was born in Winfield, Illinois in 1984 and began playing the guitar when I was 14. It was the combined influences of my brother Steve and long-time buddies Tim Foster 'n Drew Fortson that attracted me to the guitar in the first place. I said "Hey Steve, will you teach me how to play guitar after you get outta school?" After struggling for quite some time to accurately form a C chord, I was thoroughly inspired.

It was my mom who encouraged me to start learning how to read music. Half-a-my lessons were divided between playing classic rock tunes and learning how to read. My teacher Russell Turek was classically trained and studied with the classical guitarist Scott Johnston of whom I would later become a student.

My classical studies began in 2001 during my junior year of high school at the College of DuPage with Scott Johnston. Mr. Johnston was a former student of Christopher Parkening and, during a a typical lesson not unlike any other, he said "Have you thought about going to Pepperdine?" At the time, I thought Pepperdine was in Connecticut and was confused when I saw pictures of palm trees on their website. The following year I transferred to Pepperdine University and became a private student of Christopher Parkening.

The next three years were absolutely amazing. What a blessing and privilege it was to study under Mr. Parkening. A musical icon and devoted Jesus follower, Mr. Parkening challenged me to pursue excellence in both my musical and personal life.

In 2005 and 2006 I had the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Pepperdine University Orchestra. And when I became a Senior, Mr. Parkening asked me to perform Elmer Bernstein's guitar concerto with the YMF for a special tribute to the late film composer. Talk about being nervous . . .

My Pepperdine friend Brandon Jones helped me record a CD of original instrumental guitar compositions and hymn arrangements entitled Meditations (2005). He was even so kind as to put a couple of my pieces on his own CD (Enlightenment, 2004). And Meditations even spent some time on the shelves of Hobby Lobby. Thanks mom! My parents, along with the rest-a-my family, have always supported my music and things wouldn't have turned out the way they did without their mone . . . uh, love and encouragement!

I graduated from Pepperdine University with a BA in Classical Guitar Performance and just finished the MM at the University of Southern California working with Scott Tennant. I am currently pursuing the DMA at SC and teaching guitar at Pepperdine.

Ephesians 3:20-21


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concerts
Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 7pm Ventura County Classical Guitar Society Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District, 1605 Burnley Street, Camarillo, CA 93010 Thursday, August 19, 2010, 7pm New Mexico School of Music 310 Washington Street SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 Saturday, July 24, 7pm Borders (Bolingbrook) 161 North Weber Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60590 Saturday, July 17, 7pm Borders (Wheaton) 101 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton, IL 60187 Sunday, July 11, 10:15am High Road Bible Church 380 High Road, Lockport, IL 60441 Saturday, July 10, 7pm Borders (Oak Brook) 1500 16th Street, Suite D, Oak Brook, IL 60523 Sunday June 20, 2010, 7pm Wheaton Academy, Atrium 900 Prince Crossing Road, West Chicago, IL 60185 Sunday, June 6, 2010, 3pm College Church, Sanctuary 332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187 Monday, May 24, 2010, 7pm Christian Heritage Academy, Chapel 315 Waukegan Road, Northfield, IL 60093 Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 7pm New Mexico School of Music 310 Washington Street SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 Sunday, May 16, 2010, 5pm New Hope Community Church 1380 E Guadalupe Road, Gilbert AZ, 85234 Saturday, May 8, 2010, 8pm University of Southern California United University Church, 817 W 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089
my story
I was born in Winfield, Illinois in 1984 and began playing the guitar when I was 14. It was the combined influences of my brother Steve and long-time buddies Tim Foster 'n Drew Fortson that attracted me to the guitar in the first place. I said "Hey Steve, will you teach me how to play guitar after you get outta school?" After struggling for quite some time to accurately form a C chord, I was thoroughly inspired. It was my mom who encouraged me to start learning how to read music. Half-a-my lessons were divided between playing classic rock tunes and learning how to read. My teacher Russell Turek was classically trained and studied with the classical guitarist Scott Johnston of whom I would later become a student. My classical studies began in 2001 during my junior year of high school at the College of DuPage with Scott Johnston. Mr. Johnston was a former student of Christopher Parkening and, during a a typical lesson not unlike any other, he said "Have you thought about going to Pepperdine?" At the time, I thought Pepperdine was in Connecticut and was confused when I saw pictures of palm trees on their website. The following year I transferred to Pepperdine University and became a private student of Christopher Parkening. The next three years were absolutely amazing. What a blessing and privilege it was to study under Mr. Parkening. A musical icon and devoted Jesus follower, Mr. Parkening challenged me to pursue excellence in both my musical and personal life. In 2005 and 2006 I had the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Pepperdine University Orchestra. And when I became a Senior, Mr. Parkening asked me to perform Elmer Bernstein's guitar concerto with the YMF for a special tribute to the late film composer. Talk about being nervous . . . My Pepperdine friend Brandon Jones helped me record a CD of original instrumental guitar compositions and hymn arrangements entitled Meditations (2005). He was even so kind as to put a couple of my pieces on his own CD (Enlightenment, 2004). And Meditations even spent some time on the shelves of Hobby Lobby. Thanks mom! My parents, along with the rest-a-my family, have always supported my music and things wouldn't have turned out the way they did without their mone . . . uh, love and encouragement! I graduated from Pepperdine University with a BA in Classical Guitar Performance and just finished the MM at the University of Southern California working with Scott Tennant. I am currently pursuing the DMA at SC and teaching guitar at Pepperdine. Ephesians 3:20-21
© 2010 Jonathan Roth