Tad Derek O'Brien

By Tom Irwin

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Try experiencing something different this week and take a live listen to a classical guitarist, arranger and composer instead of the usual offerings. A Springfield native, Tad Derek O'Brien started his musical journey at age 13 with lessons from the late guitarist Tom Lewis, who obviously instilled a lifelong love of learning music in young Tad. He continued with Diana Roberts in piano and theory at Ursuline Academy and after graduation began formal classical guitar studies with Karl Scroggin at Springfield College in Illinois, concentrating on Renaissance and Baroque guitar, while also studying under Jim Harris. Next he attended Illinois State University, earning the Mary Jo Brown scholarship to study classical guitar while regularly performing solo and in chamber music ensembles. He graduated from ISU (B.M. 2006 and M.M. 2009), then spent time in Minneapolis performing and studying before returning to Illinois in 2012. In October 2015, TDO'B released Guitarland! as his debut album (available worldwide online and locally at his gigs), containing 15 original solo guitar compositions for your listening pleasure.

Tad Derek O'Brien

Thursday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m.

3 Sixteen Wine Bar, Chatham

About The Author

Tom Irwin

Email Tom Irwin

Tom Irwin, a sixth-generation Sangamon County resident, has played his songs and music for nearly 40 years in the central Illinois area with occasional forays across the country. He's contributed to Illinois Times since 2000 by writing Now Playing, a weekly music column, as well as features stories and other articles...

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