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Robert Boyd, Guitar - Traditional Flamenco

About/Education

Robert Boyd, is Santa Barbara’s own premiere Flamenco guitarist/composer. He is one of the rare and few Americans who has dedicated his musical dreams and professional career to the art of Flamenco and is recognized as one of the top composers of Flamenco music in the United States. Born into a family of artists, which includes famed lead singer Brandon Boyd of the multi-platinum band Incubus, Robert began his musical training at age five and has been studying guitar for 20 years. A rigorous musician and careful researcher, he has studied in Spain with some of the world’s finest virtuosos such as: José Luis Rodriguez (musical director for the ballet of Cristina Hoyos), Guillermo Rios (guitarist for the infamous Flamenco company of Jose Greco), Gerardo Nuñez, and Jesus Montoya. In the United States, Robert has attended and participated in master classes with Pepe Romero, Manuel Barrueco, Paco Jarana (musical director for Eva La Yerbabuena), Gaspar Rodriguez (musical director for the National Ballet of Spain), and Rafael Montilla (guitarist with the company of Paco Peña). Additionally, he has studied extensively with the acclaimed guitarist and composer Adam Del Monte. He has also studied Music Theory, Analysis, and Composition with Dr. Burns Taft (conductor of the Ventura Master Chorale and artistic director of the Ventura Chamber Music Festival), composition with Miguel del Aguila, Brazilian Jazz with Chris Judge, and Classical Guitar with Dmitri Diatchenko, James Edwards, Matt Grief, and Carlos Gonzales.

Professional Experience

Currently, Robert is the featured solo guitarist at Bacara Resort & Spa in Goleta, Ca. He has appeared in numerous concert venues throughout the U.S. as a soloist and accompanist. He is the musical director of “Arte y Pasion” Flamenco Music and Dance Company which consists of two guitars, four dancers, singer, flute, fretless bass, Indian tablas, and cajon. In 2003, he was invited as the featured soloist of the 7th annual world concert series in Mendocino, Ca. He was the musical director for the 2004 production of “Flamenco Hoy y Mañana” with Linda Vega’s company “Danzas de España”. Just recently he opened for the Latin Grammy Award winning group Pancho Sanchez with his trio “Ida y Vuelta”. His company “Arte y Pasion” has premiered the two productions “Alma Flamenca” and “Berto y Flamenco Vivo” at the Center Stage Theater and the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara

Robert’s renowned ability for creating an unequaled ambience for private parties and house concerts has made him a sought out performer throughout the United States. Among the many celebrities he has entertained are: Barbara Streisand, Peter Gallagher, Dennis Miller, Ted Danson, Diane Lane, Josh Brolin, Alanis Morrisette, Katie Holmes, Matt Leblanc, Tim Allen, Brooke Shields, Alicia Moore a.k.a. “Pink”, Jason Statham, George Thorogood, Troy Aikman, and Fairuza Balk.

Projects

In 2000 Robert started “Duggeda Publications” in hopes of publishing some of his many transcriptions and arrangements of flamenco guitar music. So far “Tres Piezas Flamencas” is the only book that got published with his busy performance schedule. In 2003, Robert met the renowned Flamenco guitarist and musical director for Cristina Hoyos, José Luis Rodriguez. Upon discovering Robert’s talents for composition and transcription, José Luis bestowed unto Robert the enormous task of transcribing all of the compositions that will be on his debut solo CD. The plans are to publish a book of music from this incredible artist from Huelva, Spain. Additionally, Robert is composing music for his second CD and for his music and dance company “Arte y Pasión”.

Guitars

Robert performs with guitars created by Bruce F. Wood of Santa Barbara, CA and Victor Diaz from Granada, Spain.