Profile

Dr. George Benton England is a highly sought-after guitarist, known for his exceptional skills as both a soloist and chamber musician, proficient in playing both modern and historical instruments. His artistry has led to collaborations with prestigious ensembles and institutions across the country.

In New York City, George has performed with distinguished groups such as the Cantanti Project, Ensemble Musica Humana, and the Brooklyn Composers’ Collective. On the West Coast, he is frequently engaged in projects with Backyard Baroque and Sinfonia Spirituosa in Sacramento, and as a soloist at Oregon State University. His international endeavors include giving praised performances in Koblenz, Germany as part of Duo Raccontare with soprano, Dr. Kathleen O’Rourke, and as a soloist in Khanom, Thailand.  

George's early musical journey has been marked by recognition and support. He was the recipient of a Fender Instruments Corporation Grant through the Berklee School of Music and honored with the prestigious Andrés Segovia Memorial Endowment at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). In 2005, George was selected to participate in the Grammy Foundation’s Master Class Sessions with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet in Beverly Hills. He earned 1st Prize in the Sacramento State Festival of New American Music Student Performance Competition and was a finalist in the 2007 Sierra-Nevada International Guitar Competition. He also secured 1st Prize in the Sacramento Region American String Teachers’ Association Competition.  

Beyond his musical pursuits, George is dedicated to supporting efforts that build artistic communities. He played a pivotal role in the creation of a music “Living & Learning Community” for campus residents at CSU Northridge, which remains a successful feature of that university. He twice received commendation from the president of Stony Brook University for his participation in the Graduate Council Lecture Series. 

As an educator, George is equally passionate. He currently leads guitar studies at Napa Valley College, where he also lectures in other musical topics. He has served on the faculties of various institutions, including California State University, Northridge, Yuba Community College, Diller-Quaile School of Music in Manhattan, 92nd Street Y, Third Street Music School, NYC Guitar School, and Music Stream Center in Davis. He is also the visionary behind the forthcoming Sacramento Guitar School. 

George holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University, where his culminating studies focused on the analysis and interpretation of French and Italian lute works of the 17th century, as well as 20th-century serial compositions for the guitar. He earned his Master of Music degree from Sacramento State and his Bachelor of Music, cum laude, from CSU Northridge. His teachers have included Jerry Willard, Richard Savino, Steven Thachuk, Gyan Riley, and Brandon Yip.  

Currently, as a Lecturer in Guitar at Sacramento State, George is dedicated to building connections with the broader community. He serves on the Board of Directors of Sinfonia Spirituosa, acts as the faculty advisor for the burgeoning Guitar Club at Sac State, and is an active member of the Sacramento Guitar Society. For information on upcoming events, tutorials, and other updates, please visit www.SacramentoGuitarSchool.org or www.GeorgeEngland.com