Denise started playing guitar at the age of 12 years old when there was no youtube or social media. Relying on her ear and the occasional Guitar World magazine, she taught herself to play rock, folk and metal music on a bent guitar found in an alleyway. It wasn't until seeing John Williams playing Asturias (Leyenda) from Suite española, Op. 47, No. 5 in highschool where she learned of the magic of Spanish guitar. Influenced by Randy Rhodes and other technical metal players, she knew studying classical would take her playing to the next level. Rich Warlock aside and grabbed a nylon string. Denise got her Basic Musicianship certificate from Douglas College and went on to get her Bachelor of Music for Advanced Performance on Classical Guitar from the University of British Columbia. There, she developed a deep understanding of music theory, history and ethnomusicology. Training under Michael Strutt, Daniel Bolshoy and Alec Pearson, she performed with the UBC Symphony Orchestra as well as the UBC Guitar Ensemble. Denise has been performing for over 15 years at various private and public events and has performed in Masterclasses with Christopher Parkening, John Leathwood, Daniel Bolshoy, and Michael Strutt.
Denise teaches all ages and all styles and has experience working with individuals with special needs, learning disabilities and has her criminal record check for working with vulnerable persons.
