Brooks Robertson requires little more than his innate talent, two thumbs, eight fingers, and a six-string guitar to captivate his audience and transport them into his musical world.
Praised by guitar luminaries such as Nokie Edwards, Thom Bresh, John Jorgenson, and Mason Williams, this young fingerstyle guitarist embodies a modern creative spirit where musicality reigns supreme. Robertson masterfully utilizes his exceptional technical skills to simultaneously perform bass lines, rhythm parts, and melodies, effortlessly transcending conventional genre boundaries. His artistry blends captivating compositions, country-infused rhythms, and jazzy harmonies with infectious funk elements, creating a distinctive and engaging musical experience that can be both powerful and playful.
Born in Eugene, Oregon, in 1989, Robertson’s path was forever changed after witnessing a performance by Buster B. Jones. At just eleven years old, he felt a profound calling to the guitar. The renowned fingerstyle virtuoso Buster B. Jones recognized Robertson’s raw talent and generously mentored him, unveiling the intricacies of his unique playing style. After only six months of dedicated lessons, the prodigy gave his debut performance alongside his mentor, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Under Buster B. Jones’s guidance, Robertson rapidly ascended to perform at prestigious events, including the Nokie Edwards Festival, the NAMM Show in Anaheim, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield. By his teenage years, he became the youngest artist endorsed by Godin Guitars, touring extensively both domestically and internationally. A significant milestone was his 2004 appearance on Garrison Keillor’s renowned National Public Radio program “A Prairie Home Companion,” where he secured first place in a talent competition for young musicians aged 12 to 20. These early experiences underscore the transformative power of quality guitar instruction and mentorship in shaping a young musician’s career.
In recent years, while maintaining a presence at esteemed events like the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS) Convention in Nashville, Robertson has dedicated himself to refining his skills, absorbing diverse musical styles and techniques, and integrating them into his own soulful and original compositions. He showcased his growth on the global stage by entering the “Yamaha Six String Theory Guitar Competition,” attracting participants from over 40 countries. Robertson’s exceptional talent earned him a place in the finals at the Broad Stage in Los Angeles in March 2010. A distinguished panel of judges, including Steve Lukather and Lee Ritenour, ultimately recognized his mastery, awarding him first place in the country category and second place overall. This recognition further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary fingerstyle guitar.
While deeply respecting the traditions of fingerstyle guitar pioneered by legends like Merle Travis, Jerry Reed, Thom Bresh, and Buster B. Jones, Robertson also draws inspiration from the refined artistry of Chet Atkins and other iconic players. His compositions and arrangements have drawn comparisons to fingerstyle jazz luminaries such as Lenny Breau and Earl Klugh, highlighting his innovative approach and broad musical vocabulary. Now, with a blend of youthful energy and seasoned maturity, Brooks Robertson is poised to emerge as a leading voice in acoustic guitar, captivating audiences worldwide with the breathtaking beauty he conjures from his instrument.
Beyond his acclaimed performances, Brooks Robertson is also a respected and knowledgeable educator in the lineage of fingerstyle guitar. He is committed to instructing students in both traditional and contemporary techniques, ensuring the vibrant legacy of fingerstyle guitar continues to thrive. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Guitar Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, Robertson is actively shaping the next generation of fingerstyle guitarists. For aspiring musicians seeking expert guidance, Brooks Robertson represents an unparalleled resource for fingerstyle guitar lessons, offering a pathway to mastering this captivating and intricate musical style.
