Erol Ozsever (b.1985) is a classical guitarist from Fishers, Indiana. Captivated by the sound of the guitar, he began playing at age 10. After witnessing performances from world-renowned guitarists including Christopher Parkening, Manuel Barrueco, and the Romeros, he began studying classical guitar at 14. His passion for music of all genres has led him on such creative pursuits as rock bands, jazz ensembles, and producing popular music. He currently performs in the Tampa Bay area as the lead guitarist for One Night Rodeo and the Michael J Weiss Trio and lead singer of the Erol Oz Trio.
In 2003 Erol began studying classical guitar at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) with award-winning concert artist, Dr. William Yelverton. In 2007 he graduated cum laude from MTSU with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Guitar Performance with a minor in Recording Industry Management. During his senior year, Erol was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award in guitar performance. That same year he was awarded a graduate teaching assistantship to pursue a Masters with EMI recording artist Ernesto Bitetti at the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University. In 2009 he graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Music Degree in Guitar Performance with a minor in Early Music. He continued his studies at the Jacobs School of Music to complete a Doctor of Music Degree in 2014. In 2011 Erol released his first recording Canción: Music of Spain & Latin America. The disc features works by Mompou, Albéniz, Tárrega, Llobet, Morel, Piazzolla, and Assad.
Erol has received numerous recognitions and competition prizes including the top prize for graduate strings in the 2008 Indianapolis Matinee Musicale and 1st prize at the 2009 Rosario Guitar Competition. In 2010 he was awarded 2nd prize at the Competition in the performance of the music of Spain and Latin America at Indiana University, which was open to singers, instrumentalists, and ensembles. Erol is featured on the compilation CD to commemorate the competition. He is also the founder and former co-director of the Indiana International Guitar Festival and Competition. Erol has performed at theaters, concert halls, and universities across the country. He has shared the stage with members of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, the Florida Orchestra, and has performed as a featured soloist with the Pinellas Park Orchestra. He has performed in master classes with a number of world-renowned performers including Jason Vieaux, Ana Vidovic, Aniello Desiderio, and Adam del Monte.
Erol is currently residing in St. Petersburg, Florida and teaches guitar at the Patel Conservatory and the University of South Florida in Tampa. He has published solo guitar arrangements and articles on the psychology of motor learning.
