Stu Zonder

If I had to trace the arc of my career in music, I would have to say that February 9, 1964, was a key date. Watching the Beatles first performance on The Ed Sullivan Show that evening electrified me, and sparked my young interest in music. A couple of years later, my father agreed to buy me my first guitar – a $29 Stella Harmony from Kresgeʼs. It was almost impossible to play, but I was hooked.

By the time I graduated from high school in Oak Park, MI, I had begun performing in talent shows, and in the halls between classes (primarily making up blues songs about our assistant principle with my buddies – very edgy...).

Ann Arbor and Detroit had many bars and coffee houses, and I was fortunate to start playing professionally in 1974. Since that time, first in Michigan, then in Atlanta and Asheville, NC, I have performed regularly as a solo, in duos, bands, and most significantly, with my immensely talented wife, Janna, for the past 25 years. It has been a joy. We have performed together nationally, preferring House Concert venues, which are very intimate, and comedy friendly.

In 1976 I began teaching guitar in a store outside of Detroit. I have taught privately and in groups ever since, and have realized that teaching guitar and ukulele is my calling, and the thing I do best. It's where I gain the most pleasure and gratification. I believe I am a very good player. Iʼve been told that I am a very good performer. I KNOW that I am an excellent teacher. No brag – itʼs just something I know. I have done many things to make a living all these years. The thread that has been a constant has been music. Itʼs what I do. Itʼs who I am.