Specializes In:
Guitar
Biography
Ian Hodges recently completed the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Guitar Performance at the University of Minnesota’s School of Music, under the direction of Jeffrey Van. A three-year appointment as a guitar instructor at the U of MN provided invaluable experience teaching guitar classes and elective lessons to undergrad and graduate students from around the world. Ian earned a Master’s Degree in Guitar Performance at Florida State University in 2003, where he studied with renowned American pedagogue Bruce Holzman. Outstanding work in music research and performance at FSU led to initiation into Pi Kappa Lambda, America’s National Honorary Musical Society. Additional training included extensive private study with the great Canadian guitar virtuoso, Norbert Kraft, from 1993-1997, a Bachelor of Music Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Manitoba in 1992, and Jazz studies at Humber College in 1983.
Performances as a guitar soloist, chamber musician, and guest soloist with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Musik Barock Ensemble, and the Brandon Chamber Players led the Winnipeg Free Press to describe Ian as “Manitoba’s Premiere Classical Guitarist” (November 2001). The 1997 recording of “Canciones”, a CD of Spanish Music, with soprano Charlene Pauls received airplay across North America. CBC Radio has featured this recording and many of Mr. Hodges’ live performances in national broadcasts.
Dr. Hodges composes music for film and theatre, including two feature-length National Film Board documentaries (the Peabody award-winning “Fat Chance” in 1994; “and so to Bed” in 1999), independent film “Haunts of the Black Masseur – the Swimmer as Hero” (2004), and many shows for Prairie Theatre Exchange.
Ian’s professional career began in the 80’s as an electric guitarist with top-level jazz, fusion, rock, and country bands, including work with The Ron Paley Quintet and Cathy St. Germain and the Rage. Ian toured all over Canada during this period, and is still active as a studio and session player, recording music for film and television as well as presenting live performances. During his time at the University of Minnesota, Ian performed with the Jazz I Ensemble directed by Dean Sorenson, a jazz combo directed by Phil Hey, and was called upon to accompany visiting artists (including trumpet great Rex Richardson) and to represent the U of MN at special events.
A highly successful teacher for over 25 years, Dr. Hodges has taught at the University of Minnesota, the Canadian Mennonite University, the Preparatory Division of the School of Music (University of Manitoba), and at Westgate Collegiate. His students have won a great number of scholarships, medals and trophies in local competitions and exams, and have been accepted at music schools across Canada and the US. Many have gone on to professional careers in music.
Education/Training
Master’s Degree in Guitar Performance at Florida State University in 2003, Bachelor of Music Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Manitoba in 1992, Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Guitar Performance at University of Minnesota
Career Highlight
Ian performed as a guitar soloist, chamber musician, and guest soloist with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Musik Barock Ensemble, and the Brandon Chamber Players led the Winnipeg Free Press to describe Ian as “Manitoba’s Premiere Classical Guitarist” (November 2001). Ian has been a highly successful teacher for over 25 years, Dr. Hodges has taught at the University of Minnesota, the Canadian Mennonite University, the Preparatory Division of the School of Music (University of Manitoba), and at Westgate Collegiate. His students have won a great number of scholarships, medals and trophies in local competitions and exams, and have been accepted at music schools across Canada and the US.