A visit to Edwin Culver’s website reveals a surprising contrast between his past and present. The classical guitarist’s site is filled with references to his days as a metal musician, including references to his favorite bands and albums. Conversely, it highlights the development of his music as a classical guitarist, including descriptions of his compositional process and his latest performances. This juxtaposition is reflective of Culver’s journey as an artist, where he has navigated multiple genres and found a unique voice as a classical guitarist. ### Early Years and Musical Influences
- Edwin Culver began his musical journey in high school, where he developed a passion for heavy metal music and was gifted an acoustic guitar by his aunt.
- Culver taught himself to play heavy metal riffs, skipping over basic chords in favor of complex instrumental techniques.
- He played in a progressive technical death metal band in college, but the drummer’s loss left the group without a cohesive sound.
This background in metal influenced Culver’s approach to music, and he continued to develop this complex musical style throughout his college years. However, it wasn’t until he attended a concert featuring a classical guitarist that Culver began to explore this new genre. ### Discovering Classical Guitar
“I had no idea what classical guitar was. We went and the stuff that this guy ended up doing on the guitar with just his fingers alone blew me away,” Culver recalls.
Culver’s experience with classical guitar was life-changing, and he went on to major in music in college. Despite struggling with reading music, Culver persevered and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from Hillsdale College. He then pursued intense music study under Tom Patterson at the University of Arizona. ### The Academic Path
| Education | Program | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance | Hillsdale College | Culver earned a degree in music performance, allowing him to hone his skills as a musician. |
| Music Study | University of Arizona | Culver studied music under Tom Patterson, refining his skills as a classical guitarist. |
Culver’s academic background has been instrumental in shaping his musical style. His studies under Patterson have had a significant impact on his compositional approach, and he has developed a unique voice as a classical guitarist. ### Modern Composition and Performances
Culver’s music is a blend of modern and conceptual themes, often incorporating electronic soundscapes alongside guitar. His compositions tackle complex topics like war, depression, and finding hope amidst human suffering. While his music is deeply personal, it is also infused with a sense of community, as he shares his process with fans through his Backstage Club and online content.
- Culver’s concerts are a unique blend of music, visual art, and performance art, often incorporating his own original compositions.
- The artist offers a Backstage Club, a paid online service that provides behind-the-scenes access to his music and process.
- Culver is currently on hiatus from teaching to focus on his music full-time, with plans to book a tour of his debut program in October.
As Culver continues to grow as an artist, his dedication to his craft is evident in his performances and compositions. His unique voice and blend of styles have captivated audiences, and his passion for music is evident in every detail of his work. Despite the many challenges he has faced, Culver remains focused on his artistic vision, driven by a desire to share his music with the world. With his Backstage Club and online content, he has created a sense of community and connection with his fans, who eagerly await his next performance. As Culver looks to the future, it is clear that his music will continue to evolve and inspire, a testament to his dedication to his craft.
