Brian Belanus

Brian Belanus,
Adjunct Instructor of Jazz Guitar
Instrumental Music
School of Music

Biography

Brian Belanus has made a name for himself as a jazz guitarist, educator, and composer in Oklahoma City since his arrival in 2011. Belanus can be found hosting jam sessions and performing regularly in Oklahoma City’s historic Deep Deuce District, which was once home to jazz guitar pioneer Charlie Christian. His extensive performing experience spans across the state of Oklahoma, which awarded him the opportunity to perform alongside trombone virtuoso Bill Watrous in 2015. His principal instructors include: Bruce Saunders, Danny Vaughan, and trumpeter Lee Rucker, along with classical guitarists Matthew Denman and Dr. Lynn McGrath. His secondary instructors include lessons with jazz guitarist Paul Bollenback and renowned saxophonist Bob Mintzer.

Recently, Belanus was invited to teach a course on jazz improvisation at the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute hosted at Oklahoma City University. With respect to improvisation Belanus says: “This course develops a strong foundation of fretboard knowledge, which enables students to improvise freely within any stylistic medium on the guitar. In my opinion, improvisation is essential to assisting students in developing their own voice on the instrument.” Belanus applied this philosophy to the course Guitar Improvisation at Oklahoma City University, where Brian serves as Adjunct Instructor of Jazz Guitar.