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Though born in Dallas, Texas, Kurt’s musical journey really began on the plains of South West Kansas.  “I realized early on that taking up the guitar was one of the few conscious decisions I could make that might possibly make me seem cool."   “I had taken a few lessons in Dallas as a kid, but it wasn't until jr. high in Ulysses, Kansas that I began to see the possibility of actually playing music, and then after high school there was nothing else I wanted to do but play guitar.”  Upon graduation in 1989 Kurt decided to study jazz with Craig Owens at Wichita State University, “because I figured it would make me good rock player”.  After a life-changing encounter with a John Coltrane album, Kurt focused all of his energies towards jazz.  “It was Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things” that made me realize just what could be accomplished with music, and that disc didn't leave my stereo for about six months.”  "I discovered some other life long influences around this time, like John McLaughlin, Pat Metheney, Henry Threadgill, Ennio Morricone, Dexter Gordon and Bill Frisell."

 In 1992 Kurt moved on to Lawrence, Kansas and a brief stint at the University of Kansas. “I got a lot of opportunities to play in Lawrence and Kansas City, deconstructing standards and getting my feet wet on the stand.”  “I learned a million invaluable lessons playing for next to nothing at places like the  Jazz House, Harbor Lights, and Rick’s.”  “I wouldn't trade that time for anything in the World.”

In 1995, “ after a winter in Colorado bumping chairs and playing with a jazz quartet on Friday and Saturday nights at a coffee shop at the base of Keystone Mountain,” Kurt set up shop in Chicago, practicing incessantly, taking as many gigs as possible and playing guitar for various musicals in town.  It was in the windy city that, on a whim, he picked up a nylon stringed guitar and began an ongoing love affair with the classical guitar.  “After a few months of taking lessons with Arturo Guzman at Sherry-Brenner studios I realized that I wanted to completely immerse myself in classical technique and repertoire, so I enrolled at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.”  There, studying with renowned guitarist Paul Henry, Kurt developed not only his classical skills, but deep appreciation for Latin guitar styles as well. 

After finishing at Roosevelt in 2002, Kurt relocated to Austin, Texas where he formed TRES, an original Latin jazz trio and his solo project, KDP.  He keeps a very busy playing schedule as well as a full teaching schedule.  "I had a great oppotunity to teach at the National Guitar Workshop this summer."  "I had such a good time and was so inspired by all of the great musicians that were there, not only teaching but attending."  " I hope to have a long relationship with NGW."  

Kurt is currently accepting students of all styles and levels of ability. 

Kurt plays Enriquez classical & flamenco guitars exclusively.

 

                              See links page for details.