Michael Fresonke Bio
Michael Fresonke, MA, is a university instructor, the founder of Learn Guitar Correctly, a performer, composer and songwriter.
Michael began studying the guitar as a first grader, taking lessons from Father Schwartz, his parish priest, and continuing throughout grade school and middle school with Danny Vaughn, currently the University of Central Oklahoma’s jazz guitar instructor. While in middle school and high school, Michael expanded his interest in music to playing the alto saxophone in the school band. When he entered Oklahoma City University (OCU) as a freshman, he declared music his field of study and returned to his original instrument, the guitar. As he cultivated his talent as a classical guitarist, he also played with the OCU Jazz Band, taking both alto sax and jazz guitar parts. Michael enhanced his OCU course work by attending North Carolina School of the Arts for private study with guitar master Gerald Klickstein. He earned his graduate degree at the University of Missouri Conservatory of Music, Kansas City, where he furthered his knowledge and playing skills under the inspired guidance of internationally famous guitarist, Douglas Niedt.
In 2001 Michael assumed the guitar program coordinator position at Oklahoma City University’s nationally acclaimed Wanda L. Bass School of Music. He remains in that position today encouraging students in his guitar program to explore all types of music especially classical, jazz and rock. He also promotes guitar ensembles and mixed ensembles with other types of musicians, offers master classes and teaches music theory and history of rock ‘n roll classes for all music school students. Recently, he established a donor base for the guitar program and uses contributions to bring guest artists to the university.
In 2006 Michael began offering his unique Learn Guitar Correctly program to guitar students throughout the metropolitan Oklahoma City area. The program places students in small classes according to their playing ability where they learn to read music and rhythms, play chords and scales and develop a foundation in classical guitar as well as other styles. Today, the program attracts beginner to advanced students and is thriving at multiple locations.
As a solo performer, Michael charms audiences with beautiful and compelling interpretations of great works from the classical guitar repertoire. Among his favorite works are Koyunbaba by Carlo Domenici, Fuoco by Roland Dyans and selections by Hector Villa-Lobos. Michael also plays with the 23rd Street Jazz Band, a high energy group he leads that features guitar, bass, drums, percussion, horns and guest vocalists. The group builds its sound around funk, Latin styles and intense swing to deliver performances that feel like a rock show.
Composing is a passion and a gift that has led Michael to write music in several genres including classical, jazz, hip-hop, tango and rap. Among his copyrighted titles are Sketches for Guitar, Groups I and II; I Am Your Lust; and A Jazz Trilogy, a defining work that includes I Love Her Touch, Quiet Sets and If I Kiss You in a Dream. Copies of Michael's newest work classical guitar, Little Suite in A Major, are available for purchase. Just email countspromo@cox.net.
