About
Canadian jazz guitarist and awarded composer/arranger Ross Morgan is based in his hometown of Ottawa. Ross's debut release "Migration" exudes the atmosphere of a live concert in an intimate venue. This live off the floor recording features some of Canada's finest young players and showcases Ross's joyful voice as an artist, drawing inspiration from legendary guitarists such as Ed Bickert, Pat Martino, and maritime folk singer Stan Rogers. “Monarch’s Waltz” is about the great multi-generational migration of butterflies south from the area where he was raised.
Ross has performed with JUNO award-winning artists such Pat LaBarbera and Ed Lister, as well as the Ottawa Jazz Orchestra, and the Prime Rib Big Band. Ross' music is featured on CBC’s Saturday Night Jazz with Laila Biali, and he is a regular performer at the Ottawa Jazz Festival.
He occasionally teaches and performs in conjunction with Carleton University. He studied guitar with Jocelyn Gould, Ted Quinlan and Lorne Lofsky. Ross holds a degree in music from Humber Polytechnic. In addition to performing, Ross has interviewed jazz legends such as 3-time Grammy winning bassist Ron Carter.
Quotes
"His willingness to work without a net... and take musical risks in pursuit of an artistic vision will serve Ross well now and in the future."
- Lorne Nehring, JUNO Winning Drummer
"Ross Morgan is a fine young guitarist and composer who brings his deep insight and thorough knowledge of jazz history to his teaching, performances, and recordings. Mr. Morgan has done a deep dive into the key practitioners and best practices of the jazz guitar idiom, and he brings this careful consideration and perspective to everything he does "
- Andrew Scott, Guitarist and Journalist
"Guitarist Ross Morgan is a great new addition to Ottawa's jazz scene. I always enjoy playing with him and hearing him play."
- Peter Hum, Pianist and Journalist
Lessons
Ross teaches beginner to advanced guitar in a wide range of styles like jazz, folk, pop, and rock. He loves to get beginners strumming along to their favourite songs in no time. He teaches an applied approach to music theory that is perfectly suited to adults who desire a better understanding of their favourite songs. Specializing in jazz guitar, he recommends 1-hour lessons for jazz students.
Ross also offers ukulele lessons to beginners or those looking for a stepping stone to the guitar.
When teaching, Ross seeks to "demystify" the guitar by simplifying chords and personalizing his approach based on the student's needs. He believes in removing barriers to learning and helping you find your musical voice. Music should be accessible, and never mind-boggling.