Ryan Fourt, the jazz guitar teacher, has been teaching guitar for 20 years and playing for 26 years.
“At the time I was a teenager in the 1990’s and rock music was pretty prominent. The popular music of that era was guitar driven,” Fourt said.
Fourt said he was drawn to guitar and rock music until he was introduced to jazz.
“I had a teacher turn me onto jazz guitarists and I was blown away. When I heard jazz for the first time I started to ask what is this?” Fourt said.
Fourt said after learning about jazz guitar, he and his college peers were captivated.
Before the guitar, Fourt played other instruments like the saxophone. Then he played the upright bass as well as the guitar.
“I played both, and was decent at both but wanted to hone in on one,” Fourt said.
Of the two, he chose the guitar which he continues to play as well as teach.
“When I feel drained I stop myself and realize I could be working an office job for the big man and then I have to pinch myself. In addition to teaching I perform a lot around the country and I have a regular gig in Fort Collins,” he said.
Fourt said he cannot see himself in any other career than music.
“It’s always been music for me. This sounds silly but I love helping people or making cocktails so maybe I’d be a bartender,” Fourt said. “Thankfully I’ve never had to choose between music and something else.”
Fourt currently teaches Jazz Combo I for music majors and Guitar I for anyone looking to take up the guitar.
“I enjoy both the music majors who are there to get a degree in music but also the Guitar I class that is for student’s who are not music majors,” Fourt said.
Fourt said for anyone interested in a career in music it is a valid career.
“The degree is not going to do you any good. You have to get out and play and network. It’s a myth that you can’t make money as a musician. Most of my friends making money from music also have to teach, but it’s all related to music,” Fourt said.
Fourt said he is looking forward to the fall semester with classes resuming normalcy.
“I think it’s time. We’re moving towards more people vaccinated and we’re accustomed to masks and keeping things clean,” Fourt said. “I think we should have options to offer those options for students to accommodate both in person or online.”
He said he thinks both online and face to face classes are useful, one is not better than the other.
“It’s been challenging and stressful for everyone who’s had to deal with changes. It has raised awareness of mental health issues. I’ve had to learn how to manage anxiety and stress,” Fourt said.
Ryan Fourt’s music and additional information can be found at http://ryanfourtmusic.com/.
