Guitar, School of Music, Western Illinios University

WIU Guitar Area Testimonials

"While pursuing a Master's Degree in jazz performance at WIU, I was able to further develop my playing and writing skills in a variety of settings including jazz combo, big band, and guitar ensemble. More importantly, Dr. Warnock, along with the rest of the jazz faculty, provided real world knowledge and experience to help me succeed as a future jazz educator. Within two months of graduating from WIU I landed a gig teaching jazz guitar at a major university in South Carolina!"
- Tyler Ross WIU Alum and Professor of Guitar at the College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina

"Guitar students at WIU have the luxury of working with one of the best, well-informed, and supportive guitar teachers in the USA today - Matt Warnock. The guitar studio that Matt has created at WIU makes all students feel like they are part of a supportive family - everyone helps everyone - it's a non-competitive, but very stimulating environment. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to returning for a third year in a row as a visiting artist."
- Roddy Ellias Associate Professor of Composition and Guitar Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec

"In the spring of 2009, I was honored to be an Artist-in-Residence with the Western Illinois Guitar Department. The students presented themselves with the upmost professionalism, pride and artistic dedication. My brief residency at Western Illinois University will remain a highlight of my teaching carreer. Dr. Warnock and his students will always provide me with inspiration for my own teaching; they are an example of a guitar department with the highest of standards."
- Tom Clippert, Guitar Teacher Merit School of Music and Chicago High School for the Arts