Bio

I am a 1974 graduate of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School where I began my guitar studies. I received my bachelor's degree in classical guitar with a jazz guitar minor at Catholic University in 1977. For the next few years I played mostly commercial work at The Kennedy Center, National Theatre and Wolftrap including runs of A Chorus Line, Timbuktu, Man of La Mancha, Bubbling Brown Sugar and The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre. I did orchestral work with the National Symphony backing artists including Bob Hope, Gunther Schuller, Marvin Hamlisch and Dave Brubeck among others. During this time I also taught classical guitar at Prince Georges Community College.

In 1979 I was hired by the U.S. Air Force Band in Washington D.C. as a guitarist/ electric bassist for the Singing Sergeants Combo and Concert Band. During my Air Force career I went on over 30 national and International tours to 49 states, Europe, Japan, China and Korea including a tour to Sweden and Norway with the Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble. I backed guest artists including Roy Clark, Patti Page, Doc Severinsen, Roger Miller and The Ventures and was called on to play many musical styles on many fretted instruments. I finished my career as the guitarist in Silverwings, the Air Force country band. Throughout my career I performed classical guitar in solo recitals, chamber music groups and full orchestra including many at The White House and Vice President's home. I retired from the Air Force Band in December of 1999 after 20 years of service.

In 1986 I received a masters degree in classical guitar performance from Catholic University and began teaching at Montgomery College. In my 20 years at M.C. I taught classical and jazz guitar, music history, music theory and other courses. During this time I played in clinics, recitals and musical productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Once On This Island and Guys and Dolls. I've played in a classical guitar duo with my wife Nancy and with the Kensington Classical Guitar Quartet.

Recently I've played the musicals Altar Boyz, Cotton Patch Gospel and the American University production of Tommy at the Greenburg Theatre. I currently play Sundays from 6 to 9pm at LaPorta's Restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia and with the group Metropolitan Barnyard.

I'm available for:

1. Classical Guitar in Solo or Group Settings, Weddings

2. Jazz Guitar in Solo or Group Settings in all Styles. Big Band, Swing, Bebop, Fusion

3. Show / Commercial Guitar for Stage Shows, Artist Backup and Musical Theatre including doubling on Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele, etc.

4. Recording Session Backing

5. Acoustic / Bluegrass Guitar In Solo or Group

6. Electric / Acoustic Blues Guitar

7. Dixieland Style Tenor Banjo

8. Country, Rock and Pop

9. Bass Guitar

Click here for bookings and enquiries

I have been fortunate to have played with
some of the world's greatest jazz guitarists.


1. An old picture of me (around 1980)
with my good friend Joe Pass.


2. Me at a seminar with Jimmy Bruno
(photo credit: Michael Stewart)


3. Me with John Pisano
at an Eastman Guitar Night in New York.

4. In China

5. Performing with the Silver Wings, Dar Hall

6. Performing with the Silver Wings, Dar Hall

7. U.S. Air Force Band

8. U.S. Air Force Band

9. U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants


10. USAF

11. USAF

12. USAF

13. The Johns Duo

14. U.S. Air Force Silver Wings with Roy Clark

15. U.S. Air Force Silver Wings

16. Johns and Johnson Duo

17. Walt Johns