Performer, Educator

Ian Hrdlicka is a guitarist who has performed at concerts and competitions in the U.S and abroad, and is noted for his expressivity, versatility, and ability to connect with an audience. Mr. Hrdlicka strives to redefine what Classical guitar concerts look and sound like by performing in unique venues beyond the typical concert hall, and by crafting programs that showcase the diverse variety of styles of solo guitar repertoire.  Hrdlicka began his musical life playing Bluegrass and Jazz guitar, and often draws upon these influences in his recitals, as well as in his work with Athens, GA acoustic Jazz collective Deep Green, and in the recording of composer Benjamin Dawson’s Bluegrass Opera Journey to Herold County (2021). 

As an instructor he seeks to develop students as both guitarists and scholars of the guitar, exploring the history and development of the instrument's repertoire in a variety of styles. Mr. Hrdlicka's research interests include Guitar Pedagogy, Guitar History/Literature, the works of Toru Takemitsu, Folk music, and producing arrangements for the guitar.

Mr. Hrdlicka is currently earning his Doctor of Musical Arts at the Peabody Institute under the tutelage of performer and pedagogue Julian Gray, and previously earned his Masters of Music at the University of Georgia, where he studied with Dr. Daniel Bolshoy. He is an active performer in the Baltimore/D.C area, and holds teaching posts at Loyola University and Gettysburg College.