Krystin O’Mara

Krystin O’Mara began studying with me when she was twelve. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees as a scholarship student at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, where she studied with Julian Gray. She also studied with Jason Vieaux at the Cleveland Institute of Music. In 2015 she joined the faculty of Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Georgia. Her debut CD, released in November 2013, earned high praise. American Record Guide wrote of it: “This is her first solo CD, and she is obviously ready for prime time. She is an intense player, taking chances and bringing them off. This recording is a delight.” The CD featured the world premiere of “Obsession” by Viet Cuong, which won first prize in the 2014 Boston GuitarFest Composition Competition. It also includes the first recording of Ian Krouse’s “Trois Tableaux d’Andersen.” Of her performance, Krouse wrote: “Krystin’s breath-taking command of this early, epic proto-sonata is simply awe inspiring. She makes it sound as if it were written for her.” Her latest CD with saxophonist Ethan Miller, “Travel Notebook,” was released on Centaur Records in 2016.

“Tom helped me realize my dream of becoming a professional classical guitarist by providing a solid foundation of skills essential to my personal and musical development. Our pre-college lessons were always the highlight of my week, where his favorite discussion topics included right hand technique, practice skills, and phrasing. Emphasis was placed on learning through real-life experience, and Tom went over and above to guide me through many professional firsts, including my first wedding gig, full-length performance, master class, competition, and recording. He continues to be a valuable mentor to this day.”

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