Specializing in the seven-string guitar, Colin Walker has dedicated over a decade to learning the rich musical language of Brazil. He has studied both in Brazil and in the U.S. with performers such as Guinga, Mauricio Carrilho, Arnaldino do Cavaco and João Junqueira. Building on a close study of samba and choro masters, he has developed a nuanced accompaniment style reflecting his diverse stylistic background.
Founder of the Los Angeles Choro Ensemble, Walker has participated in various recording projects. He has also performed and taught at a variety of southern California venues such as UCLA’s Royce Hall, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Occidental College, and the Skirball Cultural Center.
He is currently completing a two-year study of Brazilian percussion with Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro as part of the Durfee Foundation’s Master Musician Grant program.
Born in San Francisco and raised in Los Angeles, Colin Walker came into contact with music through his family. His mother, a pianist and film composer, was continuously involved in projects ranging from orchestral composition and conducting to performing Latin jazz in small ensembles. For Walker, the acoustic guitar became a vehicle for musical exploration through a wide variety of musical styles from American folk music to classical music and South American compositions.