Carlos Gonzales  Classical Guitarist from Ventura, CA

Carlos Gonzales began his interest in the guitar at an early age. When he was around 8 years old, he was introduced to the electric guitar. No one in his immediate family had any musical background. Armando Franco, who is Carlos' older cousin agreed to teach young Carlos how to play basic melodies and chords. After a few informal lessons Carlos was able to start on his life long journey as a guitarist. Carlos began to take a great interest in improvisation. From the age of 10 to about the age of 17, Carlos taught himself to play blues style guitar. Carlos would listen to recording of great blues guitarist like, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Albert King Mike Bloomfield and Jimmy Hendrix. These recordings became his teacher. It wasn't until his last year in high school that Carlos was able to learn to read standard music notation, which gave Carlos a new perspective on how to learn new music. Shortly after high school Carlos was able to study for the first time classical guitar with Celestino Romero. During the next two years Carlos was introduced to formal hand techniques and standard repertoire. Carlos applied himself with discipline and enthusiasm; in a short time he developed fine technique. Upon the recommendation of his teacher Celestino Romero, Carlos decided to study with Vicente Gomez. During this period Carlos began teaching others what he had learned and began to perform solo guitar recitals. Carlos wanting to refine his love for the classical guitar decided to attend California Instititute of the Arts in Valencia, CA. He graduated in 1978 and received a Bachelor in the Fine Arts and Guitar Performance. Stuart Fox was his primary teacher during this period. While attending California Instititute of the Arts Carlos was introduced to music of the 20th century. Carlos had the opportunity to study with modern composers and artists like, John Cage, Lucky Mosko, Elliot Carter, Leonard Stein, Mel Powel and Morton Subotnick. In 1980 Carlos began a Master's program at California State University at Northridge. Carlos studied guitar with Ronald Purcell. During his studies there he had the opportunity to attend master classes with Andres Segovia, Julian Bream, Carlos Barbosa Lima, Alexander Lagoya and John Mills. In 1981 Carlos began teaching classes at Ventura College. Carlos continues teaching music at Ventura, Oxnard and Thomas Aquinas College. For many years Carlos has been an inspiration to thousands of guitarist throughout Southern California. In 1998 Carlos helped to establish and develop the now recognized Ventura County Classical Guitar Society. The guitar society has grown from a small group of students to hundreds of guitar aficionados, aspiring musicians and professional performers. Carlos remains active in the West Coast as a concert guitarist and teacher.