Rod Saunders

Rod's musical studies began at the age of eight when he started four years of classical piano lessons while also singing in his local church choir. At the age of fourteen he started on the guitar, inspired by artists like James Taylor, Jim Croce, and Gordon Lightfoot. He then began studying classical guitar at Midwestern State University in his hometown of Wichita Falls, Texas. While having a great appreciation for classical guitar, his love for other musical genres prevented him from focusing exclusively on classical and he began playing mandolin, banjo, bass, and fiddle as well. He then moved to Nashville where he played keyboard for two-time Grammy winner Bruce Carroll while also performing at the Holidome across the street from Opryland. Following his stay in Nashville he lived in Orlando, Florida where he had the opportunity to work with Grammy and Dove award nominee Martha Munizzi. Today he lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he performs and teaches while also serving as director of the Tulsa Guitar Society. He has recorded one CD "Gates of Pearl" and has a second CD of hymns in the works.