Biography.

Collin Holloway is a dynamic and expressive classical guitarist whose artistry is marked by sensitivity and communicative depth. With a performance career spanning solo, chamber, and orchestral settings, he has established himself as a rising voice in the world of classical guitar. Known for his refined tone and adventurous programming, Collin is equally at home interpreting the traditional canon as he is premiering new and underrepresented works.

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Collin began playing guitar at the age of nine. His exceptional musical promise was evident from the outset; his debut solo recital earned two standing ovations and set the tone for a path defined by excellence and dedication. He began his formal studies with Matthew Denman before moving on to one of the most respected institutions for music education, the Eastman School of Music. There, he studied under two internationally celebrated guitarists, Thomas Viloteau and Dr. Nicholas Goluses, who helped shape his musical identity. Upon completing his undergraduate degree at Eastman, Collin earned his Master of Music degree from the University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts, studying with the esteemed guitarist and scholar Dr. Dieter Hennings. His artistic growth continued overseas when he was selected to study privately with legendary Italian guitarist and composer Angelo Gilardino in Vercelli, Italy— a rare and formative mentorship that deepened Collin’s engagement with 20th-century and contemporary guitar repertoire.

Collin has built an extensive and diverse performance career. He has toured throughout the United States and Spain, appearing as a soloist and chamber musician at major festivals including Austin City Limits, CHAMBERart Madrid, and the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute. His career has brought him to a variety of stages, ranging from intimate recital halls to large-scale festivals, where he has performed with string quartets, chamber orchestras, vocalists, and other collaborative ensembles. He was featured on the cover of Sound Board magazine at just 15 years old, and his playing has been broadcast live on 98.7 WFMT, Chicago’s premier classical music station.

Among Collin’s many accolades are the Haire Solo Guitar Competition title and two consecutive first-place awards at the National Brownsville Guitar Duet Competition. He was also selected for the prestigious “Rising Young Artist” series by the Opera Club of the Villages. These honors reflect his ability to connect with audiences through the communicative depth and energy of his performances. Recent highlights include repeat performances of Luigi Boccherini’s Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet, Aaron Kernis’s 100 Greatest Dance Hits for guitar and string quartet, and Vivaldi’s iconic Guitar Concerto in D major. In 2024, Collin was chosen to premiere Malagueña de Jotron at the Armstrong Theater as a soloist with the renowed Los Romeros Guitar Quartet. He has also made guest appearances with the Chicago-based Juliani Ensemble and performed as a featured artist at the Tallgrass Chamber Music Festival.

A strong advocate for lesser-known and contemporary works, Collin places a high value on expanding the classical guitar repertoire. This mission is reflected in his debut solo album, A Musical Portrait, which features works by Gilardino, Graciela Agudelo, and other significant yet underrepresented composers. Through this recording and his live performances, Collin aims to highlight the rich emotional and stylistic diversity of the modern guitar landscape, inviting audiences to engage with music beyond the standard canon.

Chamber music holds a central place in Collin’s artistic life. He is one half of The Muse Duo, a guitar and piano collaboration with composer-pianist Luke Benedict, formed during their time together at Eastman. The duo has quickly gained recognition for its unique instrumentation, compelling programs, and dedication to new music. Their debut album, Experiments (2023), showcases original compositions by Benedict written specifically for the ensemble, which they have performed on tour throughout the United States. The Muse Duo continues to commission and premiere new works, expanding the possibilities for this rare instrumental pairing.

In addition to his performing and recording work, Collin is committed to nurturing the next generation of chamber musicians. He is the co-founder of Off the Dock Chamber Festival in Skaneateles, New York; an artist-led summer festival that provides professional performance opportunities and artistic development for emerging musicians and ensembles.

Whether performing centuries-old works or premiering bold new compositions, Collin Holloway brings a spirit of curiosity, excellence, and sincerity to every performance. His playing invites listeners into a rich and colorful sound world, shaped by curiosity, artistic openness, and a lifelong dedication to the guitar.