About Me
Amy K sees her career as a labor of love. Since she discovered guitar at age 17, she quickly achieved many of her goals and continues to pursue many more. Well versed in classical and electric guitar styles, her accomplishments include competition wins, Fender catalog appearances, a CD release, and performances for some of her idols including Christopher Parkening."I love music more than anything, and it is great being able to express myself through the guitar."Amys dedication to music began with her pursuit of a Bachelors Degree in Classical Guitar Performance, graduating from Arizona State University in 1997 Summa Cum Laude. During her study, she earned a first place win in the MCCCD Outstanding Performers Competition (1993); was awarded Music Major of the Year (1994); and was chosen as one of only 16 semi-finalists in the Portland State University International Guitar Competition (1996). She also performed in Master Classes for over 26 world renowned guitarists including Christopher Parkening, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, and Ben Verdery.Her study gave her the necessary skills to create her own music. "I love being able to write my own music. It allows me to release everything I think and feel without having to say a word." In 2002 she released Reflections, a relaxing compilation of original songs for multiple guitars and voice. In her songs are feelings that everyone experiences in life; loneliness, joy, despair, and love. Her emotions flow through the guitar with an ease and beauty that entrances her audience. Steve Thomas, owner of the music venue Undici Undici in Mesa, AZ says, "Amy is so talented. When she plays, people listen. Her music is very evocative."
With a taste for intricate musical styles, Amy is equally at ease shredding out electric solos as she is playing complex classical repertoire. Amys passion for electric guitar led her to win first place in Arizona in Guitar Centers Guitarmageddon Electric Guitar Competition (2003), after which she proceeded to the regionals in New Orleans. "It was amazing to perform at the House of Blues (in New Orleans) next to so many talented, high level players. It was an experience I will cherish forever. "Her accomplishments and well known local status grabbed the attention of the Scottsdale based company, Fender Musical Instruments. Amy K was chosen to model the new American Stratocaster in a special edition catalog that showcased the new guitar line in 2000. Her relationship with Fender continued, and in 2004, Amy K appeared in the nationally distributed Fender Frontline Magazine endorsing the Fender Grand Nylon Guitar. "It is truly an honor to be affiliated with (Fender) the number one name in guitars!"
Amy is currently recording songs for her original rock group that is yet to be named. The original band, in which Amy writes, sings, and plays guitar; is a pop/rock setting with catchy melodies and memorable hooks. The first song off the album, More Than Time, was entered in a contest to be showcased on the hit TV show The OC and received high acclaim from the online fans.She also performs with the local progressive rock band Slate. With odd time signatures and melodic harmonies, Amys skills are showcased in an aggressive rock setting. "I always loved the raw energy of heavy rock music. It provides a productive outlet for the darker emotions that we all feel."Amy has completed several projects as a studio musician at Crossroads studio in Tempe, AZ. Studio work allows me to help bring someone elses musical vision to life, and it is extremely fulfilling. She has also transcribed several Dream Theater songs that currently appear on the official Dream Theater website www.dreamtheater.net. She founded Amy K Music Company which provides high caliber live musicians for all occasions, and private music instruction for guitar, bass, piano, drums, and voice. She currently teaches at her company office in Phoenix, AZ.Amy plays Fender Grand Nylon, Tezanos-Perez and Horabe classical, and Ibanez electric guitars.
