The best description I could give myself as a musician is a hobby guitarist who enjoys playing for family, friends and occasionally at church. I have always been a big fan of traditional Scottish, Irish and Celtic music but it has only been in the last two years that I began to study this style of guitar. I am fascinated with the alternate tunings incorporated in this music and have enjoyed learning the history behind many of the songs.
My own personal story started about 10 years ago when I began taking guitar lessons from Nedra Millburn in Cedar Rapids. With Nedra I had the opportunity to learn a variety of music styles and to participate in local and regional music contests. In 2015 I met
Dave Paris and began taking guitar lessons from him in Marion. Dave's teaching has helped me to grow musically from the good foundation I received from Nedra. Since starting to explore the Celtic guitar genre I have been learning and playing fingerstyle guitar arrangements written by Jim Tozier, El McMeen and Stephen Wake.
Playing in the Linn County Fair Free Entertainment Tent this summer will be a new experience. I look forward to sharing the Celtic music I have so much enjoyed learning.
John Johansen
