Matthew Denman
Guitarist • Composer • Educator • Arts Leader
A prominent pedagogue and artistic visionary of his generation, musician Matthew Denman has been entrusted with enduring legacies, manifested through the Celedonio Romero, Charlie Christian, and John Knowles institutes, and extended into community through youth initiatives (Spark), Vásquez Dance, and an artist-first label at the Leyenda Foundation.
“Matthew Denman — conductor, mentor, and collaborator with Pepe Romero.”
A protégé of Pepe Romero, Matthew’s work spans classical, jazz, and flamenco—uniting world-class artists, teacher training, and pathways for young musicians. His compositions are published by Les Productions d’Oz, and his programs and interviews have appeared in Soundboard, Acoustic Guitar, and more.
“This institute exists because we have someone like Matt Denman, who shares the soul and spirit of my father. In Matt, we found the perfect partner — the true essence of who my father was and is.”
— Pepe Romero, legendary guitarist of Los Romeros,
“The Royal Family of the Guitar”
[Read Pepe’s full words → Publications & Press]
Recent Work / News Highlights
European Presentations & Collaborations
In summer 2025, Matthew Denman presented the vision and creation of the Leyenda Foundation at the Lake Constance Guitar Research Symposium. He also taught the students of Lazhar Cherouana at the Haute École de Musique de Genève in Zürich and worked with the studio of Augustin Wiedemann at the Vorarlberg State Conservatory in Feldkirch, Austria. These collaborations underscored Leyenda’s international scope and strengthened ties with leading European institutions.
Recent work, mentions & reviews
Book Review
“Unnerved is the book every performer, educator, and artistic soul has been waiting for. With rare honesty and generous insight, Melissa M. Plamann replaces shame with understanding, and fear with practical, compassionate tools. This isn't just a guide – it's a lifeline. Plamann has written the most human, intelligent, and genuinely helpful book I've read on performance anxiety. This book might not only help you reclaim your voice – it may restore your relationship with the art you love.”
— Matthew Denman, Grammy acknowledged Music Educator and Executive Director of the Leyenda Foundation
Featured in
Pepe Romero’s New Book
“One of the students at that festival, Matt Denman, had the idea to launch the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute at Oklahoma City University, where he is professor of guitar studies. That was a big success, and we’ve continued it to this day.”
— Pepe Romero, Dialogues on a Life’s Journey with the Guitar
Matthew Denman is honored to be recognized in Pepe Romero’s published account of the Romero family’s legacy and the origins of the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute.
Featured in Building an Award-Winning Guitar Program (Bill Swick, GIA Publications, 2023)
“The most effective recruiter I have worked with is Matt Denman … He regularly exudes the qualities of a Good News Person and is a good model to follow. People genuinely like him, want to study with him..."
— Bill Swick, GIA Publications, 2023
[Read full excerpt → Publications & Press]
Wolves of Winter (Matthew Denman)
An advanced solo guitar work inspired by the stark beauty and wildlife of Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley. With shifting textures and evocative sonorities, the piece captures both the stillness and raw energy of nature in winter.
Published by Les Productions d’OZ (DZ 4321). Available through Les Productions d’OZ, Strings By Mail, and Fick’s Music.
Program Note – Wolves of Winter
Wolves of Winter was inspired by my time in Yellowstone National Park, particularly the Lamar Valley where wolves are often seen moving across the snow. The piece reflects the stillness of winter landscapes, the hidden tension of survival, and the haunting beauty of wildlife in its natural environment. It is meant as both a meditation on nature’s fragility and a reminder of our responsibility to conserve what we love and understand.
