Guitarist James Hontz studied at the New School of Music and received his B.M. degree in Guitar performance and M.M. degree in Guitar Performance/Music History from Temple University. While at Temple, he studied with Allen Krantz and Michael Newman. Currently, Mr. Hontz in of the faculties of Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA), Gettysburg College, Frederick Community College, and Harford Community College (both in Maryland). He has served as a past President of the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society. In addition to his many solo appearances, he is active in chamber music as a member of the Hontz-McDermott Duo (flute and guitar). The Due was named Special Presentation Winner in the Artist International Carnegie Hall Debut Competition in 1995 and 1996. Their CD, Paseos features the title track which was written at the request of Mr. Hontz by composer John Carbon. In August of 1996 the Duo was broadcast in a live performance/interview on WNYC in New York City and which was followed by a concert tour of the Midwest. Mr. Hontz is enrolled in the Doctor of Musical Arts program in Guitar Performance at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, under the tutelage of Julian Gray.