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Christopher Parkening Faculty Profile

Christopher Parkening

Distinguished Professor of Music
Chair in Classical Guitar
Fine Arts Division, Seaver College
MB 243
310.506.4462

Education

  • Honorary Doctor of Music, Montana State University, 1983
  • Founded the Guitar Department, University of Southern California, 1968

 

  • Christopher Parkening: Solo Pieces, 2008. Hal Leonard Corporation HL00690939.
  • Christopher Parkening: Duets & Concertos, 2008. Hal Leonard Corporation HL00690938.
  • Virtuoso Performances (DVD), 2008. Hal Leonard Corporation HL00320506.
  • Jubilation(with Jubilant Sykes), 2007. EMI/Angel Records 00946-3-56421-2-4.
  • Grace Like a River (an autobiography), 2006. Tyndale House Publications 978-1-4143-0046-7.
  • Grace Like a River, 2006. EMI/Angel Records 00946-3-56418-2-0.
  • Bernstein: Concerto for the Guitar, 2000. EMI/Angel Records 7243-5-56859-2-6.
  • Stepmom (solo, movie soundtrack), 1998. Sony Classical SK 61649.
  • Christopher Parkening Celebrates Segovia, 1998. EMI/Angel Records 07243-5-56730-0-8.
  • The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Volume 1 (in collaboration with Jack Marshall and David Brandon), 1998. Hal Leonard Corporation HL695228.
  • Th e Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Volume 2 (in collaboration with David Brandon), 1998. Hal Leonard Corporation HL695229.
  • Parkening Plays Bach, 1997. Hal Leonard Corporation HL699104.
  • Romanza, 1997. Hal Leonard Corporation HL699103.
  • Parkening and the Guitar, Volume 1, 1997. Hal Leonard Corporation, HL699105.
  • Parkening and the Guitar, Volume 2, 1997. Hal Leonard Corporation, HL699106.
  • Sacred Music for the Guitar, Volume 1, 1997. Hal Leonard Corporation, HL699095.
  • Sacred Music for the Guitar, Volume 2, 1997. Hal Leonard Corporation, HL699100.
  • Angels' Glory (with Kathleen Battle), 1996. Sony Classical SK 62723.
  • Christopher Parkening Plays Vivaldi, 1994. EMI/Angel Records 7243-5-55052-2-4.
  • Joaquín Rodrigo and William Walton Concertos, 1993. EMI/Angel Records 0777-7-54665-2-2.
  • The Artistry of Christopher Parkening, 1993. EMI/Angel Records 0777-7-54853-2-5.
  • The Great Recordings, 1993. EMI/Angel Records 0777-7-54905-2-7.
  • A Tribute to Segovia, 1991. EMI/Angel Records 0777-7-49404-2-9.
  • The Sounds of Christmas (with Julie Andrews and the London Symphony Orchestra), 1990. Hallmark Cards, Inc. 620XPR9707.
  • Virtuoso Duets (with David Brandon), 1990. EMI/Angel Records 0777-7-49406-2-7.
  • In the Spanish Style, 1986. EMI/Angel Records 0777-7-47194-2-1.
  • Pleasures of Their Company (with Kathleen Battle), 1986. EMI/Angel Records 0777-7-47196-2-9.
  • Parkening Plays Bach, 1985. EMI/Angel Records 0777-7-47191-2-4.
  • A Bach Celebration, 1985. EMI/Angel Records 0777-7-47195-2-0.
  • Simple Gifts, 1982. EMI/Angel Records 0777-7-47525-2-7.

  • Los Angeles Guitar Festival Lifetime Achievement Award "in recognition of your immense contribution to the classical guitar and to the world of music," 2023

  • La Guitarra California Lifetime Achievement Award presented biannually to "an acclaimed musician whose accomplishments have greatly increased the world-wide appreciation of classical guitar", 2017

  • St. Louis Guitar Society's Musical Excellence Award "in recognition of your lifetime of musical excellence in the classical guitar," 2013

  • Guitar Foundation of American Hall of Fame's Artistic Achievement Award "for monumental contributions to the development of the art and life of the classical guitar," 2012

  • Artistic Director, Parkening International Guitar Competition, founded 2006, Pepperdine University

  • Distinguished Artist Award, 2003, University of Michigan Musical Society, Ann Arbor, MI

  • Gibson Award, "Best Classical Guitarist," 2000

  • Sacred Music USA magazine's "Instrumentalist of the Year," 1996

  • American Academy of Achievement Award, 1993

  • Board of Directors, Grace To You (nationally syndicated radio and tape ministry of Grace Community Church), 1992-present

  • Guitar Player magazine's readers' poll winner, "Best Classical Guitarist," (retired into Hall of Fame, 1991, for numerous wins in category)

  • Grammy® nomination for Pleasures of Their Company, "Best Classical Album, "1986

  • Frets magazine's "Gallery of the Greats," 1988, based on numerous wins for "Best Classical Guitar"

  • IMG Artists, Inc, 1994-2010

  • Columbia Artists Management Company, Inc., 1969-1994

  • Grammy® nomination for Parkening and the Guitar, "Album of the Year, Classical," 1977

  • National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, 1969-present

  • Local 47 Musicians' Union, 1969-present

Topics

  • Guide my students toward a goal of concert performance while equipping them with a broad-based knowledge of academics and the music industry.
  • Mentor my students with an emphasis on their commitment to personal excellence in their lives and with the music they play.
  • Pass on to my students the legacy taught me by the great guitarist, Andrés Segovia, who moved millions with his poetic, lyrical phrasing, beautiful sound, and romantic, beautiful spirit.

Courses

  • Private Guitar Instruction
  • Guitar Ensemble
  • Performance Skills
  • Group Guitar Class
  • Public Master Class

Links