Dr. Troy Gifford is an award winning guitarist and composer whose music synthesizes elements of Latin, classical, jazz, and rock styles. His compositions have been performed by acclaimed artists on multiple continents, including at festivals and concerts in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. He has written music in a variety of settings, including pieces for guitar, voice, piano, orchestra, choir, band, and various chamber ensembles. He has also written for both the stage and film. He has won a number of awards for his music, including first prize in composition competitions sponsored by the Guitar Foundation of America, Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine, and the University of Miami. He has released two CDs of all original material: Delineations (on Flatfoot Records) and Olvidando. His music has been published by Doberman Yppan and Mel Bay, and he currently serves as a regular columnist for the digital guitar magazine Fingerstyle Guitar Journal. Dr. Gifford has taught at several colleges and universities and currently lives in Orlando, FL, where he serves as the chair of the music department at Valencia College.