Learn some basic chord progressions and tunes to help get you started on this versatile instrument. Guests are encouraged to bring their own acoustic guitar or purchase one from Bookmans!

About Matthew Henry Hall

Matthew Henry Hall is the author of two children’s picture books, The Lucky Hat (Grand Canyon Association, 2015) and Phoebe and Chub (Rising Moon, 2005), which was a finalist for a Western Writer of America Storyteller award. Matt also draws cartoons that appear in numerous publications, including The Missouri Review, Inside Higher Ed, and Reader’s Digest. A recording of Matt reading his original story for all ages, “What Coyote Brought” can be heard on “Border Songs,” a compilation album featuring work by Pete Seeger, Michael Franti, Amos Lee, and many others. All proceeds benefit the humanitarian aid non-profit, No Mas Muertes/No More Deaths. Matt sings and plays guitar and has opened shows for Richie Havens and Los Lobos. He is also kind to small animals, including insects.

About Craig Yarbrough

Craig holds a Master’s Degree from Arizona State University (where he studied classical guitar performance with Frank Koonce) and a Bachelor in Arts from the University of New Orleans, where he studied with John Rankin and Elias Barreiro.

Additionally, he has studied privately with Michael Lorimer, Bill Kanengiser, David Leisner, and in master classes with Jorge Morel, Manuel Barrueco, Christopher Parkening, Paul O’Dette, Eduardo Fernandez, and many others.

He is the founder and Executive Director of Grand Canyon Guitar Society, a non-profit arts group based in Flagstaff, AZ. This group provides performance opportunities to the community guitarists of Northern Arizona, educational opportunities through workshops and master classes, and a concert series that has introduced the Flagstaff guitar fans to some of the world’s finest classical guitarists.

Craig is also well known for his instructional abilities and style- he has taught a variety of guitar styles to all ages and levels for over 20 years. He has taught guitar privately, in the public school setting (MESA School in Flagstaff), charter school setting (Northland Preparatory Academy in Flagstaff), and University level (Coconino Community College). Many of his former students can be found studying guitar in some of the US’ finest music universities and conservatories.