About Kirk Hanser...
Kirk has performed throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan since the mid 80's as a soloist and ensemble member. In concert and on recordings these days, he is mainly heard along with John McClellan as the internationally acclaimed Hanser-McClellan Guitar Duo.
The HMGD's first compact disc release, "Jongo - South American Music for Two Guitars", was touted as "an absolute winner in every way" (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) and "full of color and a real surprise throughout" (Classical Guitar Magazine - UK). Their most recording,"La Vida Breve", was released in February of 2005, and was called "...passionate, beautiful...guitar playing at its highest order" by Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine (U.S.) and Classical Guitar Magazine in the U.K. proclaimed its "sheer swagger & verve."
Kirk has lived in the St. Louis area since 1996 along with his wife, Laura, and their four children. He currently teaches for several colleges and universities (the HMGD is ensemble-in-residence for Webster University), arranges music for events and publications, and acts as director for both the Childbloom Guitar Program and the St. Louis Academy for Guitar.
As a teacher, Kirk has been recognized with several awards including Childbloom's Outstanding National Program of the Year (twice!) and National Teacher of the Year.
Since 2002, he has directed the Mid America Guitar Camp for young guitarists from around the U.S. These camps bring young guitarists in from all around the country to participate in this unique week-long guitar event. |
