Criss Foltz

I have been playing guitar for 47 years and teaching for more than 40 years. My passion for music began at an early age while growing up in Terre Haute, Indiana. In 1980, I began studying guitar at The Conservatory of Music in my hometown, where I trained for four years before returning in 1986 as a guitar instructor at the very same studio where I had once been a student.

Throughout high school, I was an active member of the jazz band. During my sophomore year, I earned the award for Best Guitarist at a regional jazz festival, which led to my selection for the festival’s All-Star Band performance later that evening. As my teaching career developed, I built a thriving guitar program with as many as 70 students per week.

After high school, I attended Indiana State University as a music major. During my time there, I was invited to perform as the guitarist for the university’s pit orchestra, accompanying productions such as Cats and Little Shop of Horrors. Even after leaving the university, I continued performing with the pit orchestra for several years.

While teaching at The Conservatory of Music, I joined The Don Morris Band, led by well-known local entertainer Don Morris. We served as the house band for the lounge at The Boston Connection, a hotel partially owned by Indiana basketball legend Larry Bird. Bird, a former Indiana State University standout, went on to become one of the most celebrated players in NBA history with the Boston Celtics.

In 1989, I relocated to the Los Angeles area to pursue opportunities with the emerging rock band Geneva. During that time, I continued teaching guitar while also working in sales at Tom’s Music, Inc., gaining valuable experience in both the performance and business sides of the music industry.

In 1997, I transitioned into a professional career outside of music. Even so, I remained deeply connected to my passion by teaching private guitar lessons and performing regularly with my church worship team, specializing in contemporary Christian music.

Now retired from my career outside the music industry, I am excited to return to teaching full-time. With decades of playing, performing, and instructional experience, I look forward to helping students of all ages and skill levels develop their musical abilities, build confidence, and discover the joy of playing guitar.

My teaching style is centered around each student’s individual goals and musical interests. I believe students learn best when they are excited about what they’re playing, so lessons are built around the music they want to learn while incorporating music theory naturally along the way. For younger students especially, I focus on making music fun, engaging, and rewarding.

Beyond simply teaching songs, I help students develop the skills to improvise, understand how music works, and write their own original music. My goal is to give students the confidence and knowledge to become well-rounded musicians, not just memorized players. To me, learning music should be an enjoyable and inspiring experience — never something that feels like school.