معرفی
Michael Christiansen is a Professor of Guitar in the Department of Music at Utah State University, where he has served on faculty since 1977. He single-handedly developed USU's comprehensive guitar program from its inception, establishing both a Bachelor of Arts in Guitar Performance and one of the nation's first Guitar Education degrees.
Christiansen earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Utah State University after beginning guitar instruction at age 7 in Provo, Utah. His early teaching career started in high school at Mrs. Herger's studio and expanded to 90 students weekly at Cal's Music Box during his undergraduate studies.
His research and pedagogical focus spans all guitar styles including classical, jazz, bluegrass, blues, and rock, emphasizing versatility, sight-reading proficiency, and holistic musical development. Christiansen pioneered innovative curriculum materials such as the "Guitar Basics" instructional video and over 40 publications with Mel Bay Publications, fundamentally shaping modern guitar education methodology.
- 2012 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Utah Professor of the Year
- 1994 Utah State University's Highest Award for Teaching Excellence
Christiansen has mentored hundreds of students through private lessons and specialized courses, with graduates becoming highly employable music educators nationwide. His performance career includes over 2,800 public shows with the Lightwood Duo, plus work with Phase 2 and Mirage bands, demonstrating his philosophy that teaching and performing are intrinsically connected. He developed the nation's first Music Education degree with guitar emphasis, creating alternative music programs for secondary schools beyond traditional band and choir.
As architect of USU's guitar program, Christiansen established comprehensive coursework in guitar styles, pedagogy, ensembles, and history, transforming it from individual lessons into a tenured faculty position and nationally recognized program. His "hands-on" teaching approach focuses on developing complete musicians who surpass their instructor's capabilities while maintaining professional integrity.
