Background, professional training and performance history
Chico earned a degree in Music at the University of Oregon and has played and sung all kinds of folk music in all kinds of settings, including political rallies, Union events, pit bands, square and contra dances, clubs and festivals all over the Northwest and beyond. He has been an official showcase artist at Folk Alliance International (twice) and a presenter at Folk Alliance regional events and Northwest Folklife. He has taught in public schools, designed and composed music for theatre and multi-media events and toured both independently and with Young Audiences. He has released two CDs of original music and maintains musical collaborations with others. He has worked with the Young Writers' Association, Eugene Symphony and Ballet, The Oregon Bach Festival and the Oregon Festival of American Music. He has performed two Shedd Presents concerts and taught here for seven years.
Artist statement and teaching philosophy
"Playing music is a rewarding activity that is available to anyone of any age. One of my strengths as a teacher is my love of the guitar, of music and of learning, which I try to share with students. I focus on playing in a relaxed and efficient manner that makes practice easy and enjoyable. What you want to play is up to you and the purpose of technique is doing it with less effort and struggle. I use standard and alternative notation systems as well as playing by ear. We work with exercises and focus on the 'why' as well as the 'how,' learning the 'theory' as we go. As a life-long student of music as well as a teacher, I welcome students of all ages and experience levels to a personalized, encouraging music learning experience."
Instruments & classes taught
Chico teaches everything with strings, including guitar, banjo, mandolin, 'ukulele, dulcimer, fiddle, tin whistle and harmonica. He teaches private and group lessons, guitar classes and music camps at the Shedd.