Kris Downs

Kristofor Downs earned his Bachelor of Music from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee and two Master of Music degrees from The University of Akron (Classical Guitar Performance and Music Composition). His primary teachers were Andrew Zohn, Stanley Yates and James Marron.

As an educator, Kris has over 15 years experience teaching students with a wide range of playing levels and interests. Regardless of the genre of music, his teaching style emphasizes reading and rhythm, technique, music theory and developing a strong foundation so that the student has the skills they need to play the music they want. Along with teaching in his private studios, Kris serves on faculty at Ashland University and Kenyon College.

Since high school Kris has been an active performer on both the electric and classical guitar in several capacities. In addition to his solo guitar performances, he has performed with several jazz combos, chamber ensembles and church groups, both in the Columbus, Georgia and the NE Ohio areas. In the past, he has worked on cruise ships as a showband guitarist. He is currently very active in the NE Ohio musical theatre scene.