ROBERT WOODWARD TAKES FIRST PRIZE IN OREGON’S CLASSICAL GUITAR STATE COMPETITION

On April 26, Robert Woodward was awarded first place in Oregon’s Classical Guitar State Championship. Under the long-time tutelage of Peter Zisa, professor of music at Marylhurst University, Robert has taken the first and second prize in the Oregon’s State Championship in Classical Guitar performance over the past three years. Robert began studying guitar with Dany Oakes at the age of ten. In 2001, shortly after receiving Tom Bazzolo’s gift of a classical guitar, Robert continued his studies with Scott Kritzer. Robert has performed in master classes for David Grimes, Scott Tenant, and Dr. Lily Afshar.

Robert, soon to be a graduate of Westview High School, is a member of the National Honors Society. His academic achievements include a 3.7 GPA and a perfect score on the PSAT Math test his junior year.

It is worth noting Robert’s musical skills are not limited to classical Guitar. He is the current Principal Oboist for the MYS Symphony Orchestra, where he also plays English horn. Robert was recently awarded the distinguished honor of being selected as the Oregon representative to the 2008 Sousa National Honors Band.

In July, Robert will begin his studies in cinematography at Brooks Institute at the University Santa Barbara. While pursuing his degree in cinematography Robert will continue his training on the oboe and classical guitar. Upon graduation, he plans to attend a music conservatory to further his music studies. His ultimate dream is to combine his love of music with film.

Personal thanks

“I would like to sincerely thank the Portland Guitar Society for the encouragement you have consistently provided me since I first performed at PGS meetings some four years ago. I also wish to acknowledge my previous guitar teachers Dany Oakes and Scott Kritzer for establishing a solid foundation in my study of the guitar. Special thanks to my current instructor Peter Zisa, for taking me to a new level of enjoyment, helping me fine tune my performance skills, building my self-confidence, and encouraging me to perform often, particularly for the supportive audiences at PGS. All these elements have contributed to my enjoyment of music and performance. Thank you PGS!” – Robert Woodward

]]> http://www.peterzisa.com/robert-woodward-takes-first-prize-in-oregons-classical-guitar-state-competition/feed/ 0 http://www.peterzisa.com/peter-zisas-student-travis-johnson-appears-at-carnegie-hall/ http://www.peterzisa.com/peter-zisas-student-travis-johnson-appears-at-carnegie-hall/#comments Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:36:36 +0000 admin http://www.peterzisa.com/?p=266 “Talent counts for a lot, although it is the commitment and the intellect and the love of music and all those other myriad qualities that must combine to create a successful career. The guidance of a good teacher makes all the difference in the development of a brilliant young artist. By all appearances, you have given the support that will serve Travis well for years to come.” – Michael Newman, Professor at Mannes College

On February 27th, 15 year old Travis Johnson performed his New York Carnegie Hall debut. Travis was one of three promising young musicians to perform at the legendary hall on a program hosted on the nationally syndicated program “From the Top” which will be broadcast on OPB television sometime later in the year. Travis Johnson’s long time mentor and teacher is Marylhurst University professor Peter Zisa. Travis Johnson, a Davidson Scholar, has earned numerous awards and honors including First Prize award in the 2005 GFA Solo Guitar competition.

Recent local performances by Travis Johnson, a Gladstone High School student, include appearances with the Reno and California Symphony, with Peter Zisa at the Lawrence Gallery in Portland’s Pearl District, and with Michael-Allen Harrison and Julianne Johnson at the Old Church.

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