The Desert Guitar Duo features guitarists Ben McCartney and Daniel Vildolsola. The duo has developed a sound that is smooth and refined, and covers several genres, including: Jazz, American Standards, Latin, Blues, and Classical. Their repertoire includes compositions from Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Antonio Carlos Jobim, George Gershwin, and Henry Mancini to name but a few. The Duo’s sound is ideal for setting the mood at intimate gatherings, fine eateries, and formal receptions. If your event requires a touch of class, the Desert Guitar Duo fits the bill.
Ben and Daniel both have extensive professional backgrounds in music, have obtained academic accreditation in music performance, and enjoy careers as full-time musicians.
Ben McCartney currently serves as Director of Guitar Studies at Pima Community College’s West Campus. As a recitalist Ben has performed throughout the western hemisphere, covering the Continental US, Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, and Central Europe. Ben’s academic accreditation includes a BM from SUNY Fredonia, and MM from The University of Akron. Ben has also won prizes in several international solo guitar competitions, including the Ralph Stevens Solo Guitar Competition, the Norman Sholin Solo Guitar Competition, and the Walnut Valley Solo Fingerstyle Competition (finalist).
Daniel Vildolsola is an award-winning guitarist trained in both Classical and Jazz genres. Daniel has earned his BM from the University of Arizona, where he was a prizewinner in various classical guitar competitions including the Leonard and David Schaeffer Memorial Guitar Competition, and the William Wolfe Guitar Competition. Daniel has performed with various jazz groups regionally, notably the Arizona Symphony Orchestra – where Daniel was the first guitarist to record select Nelson Riddle arrangements with a symphony orchestra.