Muriel Anderson (MUS '82)

For professional guitarist Muriel Anderson (MUS '82), music has been a constant companion, even from childhood. "I've heard music in my head for as long as I remember," Anderson says, adding that she remembers writing her first song - inspired by the sound of the doorbell - while she was in kindergarten. An acclaimed acoustic guitarist, she's released more than 14 CDs and several performance DVDs, garnering accolades along the likes of the late guitar genius Les Paul. Anderson was also the first woman to win the National Fingerpicking Guitar Championship in 1989. Her work was featured in the 2008 Woody Allen film "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," and she has composed commissioned works for the Nashville Chamber Orchestra and Vox Caelestis women's choir.

Anderson will return to DePaul on Jan. 26 to share her knowledge with the DePaul community and the public in a guitar master class at the DePaul School of Music.

The DePaul Years
After early music training at Jones Family Music SchoolJones Family Music School in Lombard, IL, and forming a bluegrass band in high school, Anderson honed her musical studies at DePaul's School of Music. "I reluctantly focused on classical guitar, because that was only course of study (in guitar) that was available in the school at the time," she said.

Her reluctance blossomed into enthusiasm after Anderson discovered the work of acclaimed classical guitarist Christopher Parkening, who she calls a "master of tone and phrasing." DePaul School of Music professor Leon Borkowski, who had studied with Parkening, nurtured that enthusiasm.

During her time at DePaul, Anderson honed various techniques and phrasing that help her develop her own unique guitar style, including exploring and incorporating the sounds of global cultures. "[Borkowski] taught me to 'search until I found it,'" she said of his influence on her style. Anderson lauds Borkowski for his "sense of innate musicality" and allowing her the freedom to experiment while also providing training and guidance.

Anderson will continue to share her talents with the world well into 2010. She'll embark on four tours in the United States, a European tour, and release a new CD entitled "New World Flamenco" with German ensemble Tierra Negra and noted session musicians Danny Gottlieb, Mark Egan and Victor Wooten. The CD can be heard on Anderson's website.

Giving Back
Like many DePaul alums, Anderson is not content to rest on her laurels and regularly uses her talent and recognition to give back to others. Each year, Anderson brings her talent and generosity back to her hometown of Downers Grove, Ill., with a post - Thanksgiving benefit concert for the Music For Life Alliance, a nonprofit that supports music education for children. Now in its 18th year, the benefit got its start at the Two Way Street Coffeehouse in Downers Grove, the location of Anderson's first live performance as a professional musician. "We got $20 for the night, split three ways." she recalls. "That was so exciting."

After the benefit's attendance outgrew several locations over the years, the event eventually moved to Downers Grove High School North, Anderson's (other) alma mater.

The event is a family affair; her siblings and parents volunteer each year. Anderson's mother and sister Marguerite make a special Finnish coffeecake called "nisu" that she gives away to attendees at intermission.

Anderson says her work with Music for Life is a natural extension her desire to share music with all comers. "I have to play the music that's in my heart, share the joy, wonder and humor of music with the audience," she says. "With Music for Life Alliance, I want to help spread the joy of music to kids who may not otherwise have access to it."

Find out more about the master class at the School of Music.

Read more at Muriel Anderson's website.