Jeff Copeland has been performing and teaching guitar for over fifteen years. A strong and expressive performer, he is active in classical, popular, and folk music, and has appeared as soloist and with ensembles throughout the United States. His debut recording will be released later in 2011.
Jeff began studying classical guitar in Florida, receiving a Bachelor degree in Music Performance from Florida State University as a student of Bruce Holzman. He continued his studies at Florida State earning a Masters degree in Music Performance, and has also neared completion of a Masters in Historical Musicology. A frequent participant in early music ensembles, he performed on the lute and theorbo with the early music performance group Cantores Musicae Antiquae, under the direction of Dr. Jeffery Kite-Powell. He studied lute and theorbo with William Hearn and performed in master classes with Hopkinson Smith and Ronn McFarlane. Other ensemble appearances include performances on the viola da gamba, under the direction of Pamela Andrews, and sitar, with Nalini Vinayak. He is a current candidate for the Doctorate of Musical Arts degree at Arizona State University, studying with Frank Koonce.
Jeff has extensive experience performing and teaching in a wide variety of venues. As a performer, he has played in large concert halls and intimate social gatherings; as a teacher he has taught music majors at colleges and amateur enthusiasts in private homes. He is committed to bringing his passion and creative energy for the guitar to as many lovers of the instrument as possible, and continues to search for new ways to foster the development of the guitar in his community.