Rhys Montanarello is a guitarist, composer, and educator from Gilbert, Arizona. Rhys received his undergraduate degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from Arizona State University, and is currently studying to complete his master’s degree in Jazz Performance also at ASU under Dr. Jeffrey Libman. As a performer, Rhys has shared the stage with Michael Mayo, Javon Jackson, and other high-level musicians in the Phoenix area.
Rhys has worked throughout Phoenix as a freelance guitarist, performing in jazz groups ranging in size from duos at coffee shops to local big bands at ASU and Scottsdale Community College, and he has also put together his own creative projects in jazz and singer-songwriter genres. Rhys has also performed as a pit guitarist for local productions of West Side Story and The Wedding Singer.
Rhys’ passion for music began at a young age, picking up the guitar at 8 years old after being inspired by his favorite rock bands and blues guitarists like Queen, AC/DC, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. His journey took him on many musical paths, diving into rock, folk, singer-songwriter, and eventually jazz music. In addition to the guitar, Rhys also played the cello in his school orchestra from 5th grade through senior year of high school.
Now as an educator, Rhys is determined to bring the same passion to the next generations of musicians, building a feeling of belonging and community through music. Despite being primarily a jazz guitarist, Rhys also works with beginners and intermediate students to provide strong fundamentals of technique, theory, and improvisation to help build structure, but also foster creativity and enjoyment.
