Biography.

Classical guitarist Collin Holloway began playing at the age of nine in his hometown of Oklahoma City. Recognized as a burgeoning talent from an early age (his first solo recital was met with two standing ovations) he began studying with Matthew Denman, eventually pursuing his higher education at the Eastman School of Music with Thomas Viloteau and Nicholas Goluses. Upon graduation with his undergraduate degree, he obtained his master’s degree with Dieter Hennings at the University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts and was selected to study privately with the renowned musician Angelo Gilardino in Vercelli, Italy.

Collin's performing experience is extensive. He has toured across much of America and Spain as a soloist and as a part of various ensembles in festivals such as “Austin City Limits”, “CHAMBERart Madrid”, the “Celedonio Romero Guitar institute”. Highlights of his career include winning the Haire Guitar Competition, two consecutive first place finishes at the National Brownsville Guitar Duet Competition, and was recognized as a “Rising Young Artist” by the Opera Club of the Villages. Most recently, Collin was chosen as a soloist to premiere the work “Malagueña de Jotron” at the Armstrong Theater with the renowned Los Romeros Guitar Quartet, as well as appearances with the Juliani Ensemble.

As a musician, Collin strives to bring to life the intimate nature and inherent poetry of the guitar through a beautiful tone and a sensitive touch. This can be heard throughout his debut album “A Musical Portrait”, where he performs rare works by Angelo Gilardino and Graciela Agudelo, amongst other more seminal compositions.

An adamant performer of chamber music, Collin is one half of The Muse Duo. This guitar and piano duo was formed at the Eastman School of Music with the pianist and composer, Robert Benedict. Just months after playing together for the first time, The Muse Duo toured parts of the United States. Currently, the Muse Duo is championing new music for this rare setting of instruments through the composition of new works by Robert, as well as the premiere performances of these compositions. Their debut album “Experiments” released April 2023 and was accompanied by a tour of the United States. Collin is also the co-artistic director of “Off the Dock Chamber Festival’, a chamber music festival based in Skaneateles, NY dedicated to emerging artists and ensembles.

There is much more to come from this inspiring guitarist.