Danny Masters

by Jason MacNeilBorn as Daniel John Gorklo in New York, Danny Masters started playing guitar at the age of 12. Influenced by the likes of guitar legends like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix, Masters moved to Denver in 1979 and began performing the Denver club circuit. At the same time, Masters began studying jazz and classical guitar at the University of Northern Colorado. Maters made both the Dean's List of Distinction and the Dean's List of Academic Honor. Earning his Bachelor of Music Degree, he then won a scholarship to the University of Denver to complete a Master of Arts. Studying classical guitar under internationally known Maestro Ricardo Izanola, Masters honed his craft and earned his Masters in the process. In 1987 he became the first guitarist to win the Allied Arts Institute Scholarship. Becoming a professional musician, Masters performed in groups such as Zuriel, Electric Playground, Shards of Seven and 69 Times. In 1993, he won the KBPI Steve Vai guitar competition, resulting in a jam session with Vai. In 1997, Masters released his debut album Electric Babylon. In 1999, he released his second album 'Til The Moon Goes Away. Masters has opened for Tesla, Dokken, Ted Nugent and Warrant among others. When not performing, Masters teaches 50 to 60 students at the Colorado School of Music. He has taught guitar since 1986.