Biography

Henry Davidson is a classical guitarist based in Louisville, Kentucky. He discovered his love for the instrument in his high school class guitar instruction, something that he still holds very dear to his heart today. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Louisville with professor Dr. Stephen Mattingly, as well as a semester with GFA Winner Xavier Jara. Henry is attending the University of Louisville, currently completing his Master’s Degree in Guitar Performance with an Emphasis in String Pedagogy. 

As a performer, Henry encompasses a wide range of styles, however, it is contemporary music that is his true specialty. During his studies, Henry has been a part of the UofL New Music Ensemble and under the direction of Dr. Frederick Speck, getting to perform at the university’s New Music Festival each year. Here he has collaborated with a number of musicians, including flutist Morgan Marama-Stout. Henry and Morgan are continuously collaborating to highlight new and exciting music within the flute and guitar repertoire.

Henry is a big believer in music education for all, and he continues to expand for more guitar education in his community. Aside from teaching private lessons, Henry is a part of the Community Music Alliance where he teaches group classes for guitar. Class guitar is very important to Henry, going back to his formative days in high school, and he works closely with Dr. Stephen Mattingly on ways to enhance this experience for first-time learners of the instrument. 

One of Henry’s greatest passions aside from performing and teaching lies in administrative roles. He has served as the president of The Association of Guitarists at the University of Louisville, helping to bring in guest artists such as Grammy-winner Jason Vieaux, Dale Kavanagh, Matthew McAllister, and Marko Topchii, among others. These performances have brought students from all across campus to share in the enjoyment of classical guitar, and Henry has loved helping to facilitate this.

With his performances, teaching, and administrative work Henry continues to push the boundaries of classical guitar for more people to hear. His dedication to new music provides for exciting programs that he is currently performing. Henry plays a guitar by Timothy Steis.