Guitar
Conor Raiden Jennings was handed a guitar at the age of 7 and quickly became enamored with the instrument. He spent the first years learning folk and americana tunes from his Dad and subsequently branched into other styles like punk rock and jazz. He began his study into classical guitar at the age of 18 and after a year, placed third in the Houston Classical Guitar Competition in 2022.
While focusing on his studies in classical guitar, Conor attended Oklahoma City University at the Wanda Bass School of Music to be under the direction of the Grammy nominated music educator, guitarist and composer Mathew Denman and the preeminent classical guitarist Pepe Romero.
Conor has performed at countless esteemed venues in Texas and Oklahoma and was one half of the Raiden-Rose duo where in 2024, they won the San Marcos Guitar Competition for collegiate duo.
While being a performing musician is a necessary component in his art, he finds that the most significant work is teaching music. He believes the power of music as a medium for developing emotional connections that surpass language should be a more valued part of life, and that sharing the passion and care for guitar that he was given is a torch worth carrying on.
In teaching students, he prioritizes not only fundamentals, technique, and music proficiency, but fosters the mindset that allows students to play music unrestrained, without tension, and fully tethered to the instrument.
Conor strives to create a comfortable teaching environment and actively listens and responds to his students' needs.