Brian Barany portrait

Brian Barany

Guitar Department Chair

Brian Barany is a classical guitarist based out of the Los Angeles area. He divides his time between performing, arranging, and teaching. Presently, Dr. Barany is on the faculty of Azusa Pacific University and Pasadena Conservatory of Music where he teaches classical and commercial and jazz guitar.

Dr. Barany holds a doctorate in classical guitar performance from USC, a master’s of music from Azusa Pacific and a bachelor’s of music from Cal State Northridge. He has studied guitar, music theory, and arranging with William Kanengiser, Scott Tennant, Pepe Romero, Michael Kozubek, Steven Thachuk, Brian Head, Richard Smith, Pat Kelly, Adam Hawley, and Tom Hynes.

As a student, Dr. Barany frequently participated in classical guitar competitions. His prizes include first place in the Randy Rhoades Scholarship Competition (2004) and first place in the ASTA Solo Guitar State Competition (2008). In 2006, he was chosen as Scholar Laureate Delegate on Music to Eastern Europe. In addition to playing solo classical guitar, Dr. Barany has many years of chamber music experience. Presently, he is a member of the Westside Duo, in which he explores classical, jazz, and popular music. He also plays electric guitar.