Swede's Guitar

When you hire Swede you can expect a polished professional performance tailored to the atmosphere of your event. From the moment he arrives he takes care to be punctual, prepared, and unobtrusive. His set up is elegant and discrete, designed to compliment the setting rather than compete with it. The music can remain quietly in the background, or become a featured part of the occasion. Swede adjusts his playing to the energy of the room allowing the music to support each moment naturally.

Before the event, Swede works with you to understand the setting, the mood you want, and any musical preferences you have. If you have a particular piece in mind, just ask. If you are not sure what music would work best, Swede can help you choose.

The result is live music that feels at home in your event, and stays with your guests after the last note.

With more than three decades of experience as a classical guitarist, Swede Larson brings a lifetime of study performance and musicianship to every event. He studied classical guitar performance with Frank Koonce at Arizona State University. While there he had opportunities to study with some of the world's leading classical guitarists. Among them were Oscar Ghiglia, Michael Chapdelaine, Bruce Holzman, Martha Masters, Nicholas Goluses, Rachel Gauk, William Kannengeiser, and Lily Afshar.

That training shaped an approach to performance centered on musicality, refinement, and connection with the listener. Rather than simply providing background music he works to create an atmosphere that feels personal to the occasion. His repertoire spans centuries, from renaissance and baroque music to the great classical and romantic composers and music of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

He works closely with each host to choose music and fits the occasion and the atmosphere they want to create.

Over the course of his career Swede has performed for weddings, private gatherings, and corporate events, as well as distinguished private occasions. His goal is simple: to make the music as memorable as the occasion itself.

Swede's technical requirements are minimal. For most events he needs only a suitable chair and a small performance area.

For larger venues or events requiring amplification access to the venues house PA system, and a suitable microphone is requested. For outdoor events a covered or shaded area is required. The guitar must also be protected from rain, excessive heat or cold, and other potentially damaging weather conditions.

For unamplified performances approximately five minutes of set up time is sufficient. For amplified performances approximately fifteen minutes should be allowed for set up and sound check. Swede is happy to coordinate with you in advance.