Elliott Vernon Biography

Being fascinated with music as a child as well as the lives of musicians and rock stars, Elliott dreamed of performing on the guitar. Growing up, Elliott's parents were music lovers, often playing records of rock bands such as the Doors, or Queen, and of classical piano. They often sang songs to Elliott and his older brother. Both parents were scientists by profession, though they were no strangers to art. His father enjoyed writing song parodies in which he would perform for his friends, and his mother is an accomplished artist. As children, Elliott took after his brother spending much of his time drawing pictures, inventing characters, though never to the same proficiency as his older brother. Elliott received a guitar as a gift from his mother at age 11 which set his pursuit of music in motion. He began learning from local teacher, Rick Genge, who would remain his teacher until adulthood. Beginning by learning punk rock, and classic rock songs, it wasn't until age 16 that he was introduced to classical guitar by a peer. That year he found a classical guitar at a pawn shop for 50$, and dove into this new world. It was like learning the guitar all over again, but was the challenge that Elliott craved. During his highschool years, he spent a lot of time jamming with fellow guitar players, learning music theory, and playing in a Heavy Metal band with three friends, all the while learning the classical guitar.

Music had become an obsession by this point, and most of his interactions centered music as a common thread. In the later half of highschool, Elliott was performing in his band and as a solo classical guitarist as well. Upon graduating highschool, this obsession did not waver, but intensified. The following year was filled with working unfulfilling jobs, while collaborating, performing, starting and dissolving bands, getting session gigs, and practicing classical guitar. In 2009, he was accepted to Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the diploma of music program. During his time at Kwantlen, he explored many types of music, learned piano, sang in a choir, expanded his classical repertoire, played in several guitar quartets and trios, and took a leap into Jazz guitar. While the two year program was coming to a close, Elliott started a new project with the drummer from his highschool band aiming to combine classical styles with rock elements and electric instruments with Elliott on electric guitar, and his band mate on drums and keyboard simultaneously. Upon graduating from Kwantlen with a diploma in music, his new music project, Parrenthesses, led him to move to Vancouver to be closer to the music scene, with the idea to return to finish his degree after one year had concluded. This year was filled with performing to many crowds, large and small, and composing some very experimental music. In 2012, Elliott returned to complete his degree. During this two year period, he found a renewed love for classical guitar and a deeper interest in South American guitar composers. In 2014 Elliott finished his degree and continues his work with his duo Parrenthesses to this day, as well as joining many other groups, and working as a session guitarist. He began furthering his work as a solo performer for hire: playing in restaurants, weddings, receptions, art openings, personal parties, and many other functions. Currently, Elliott is working on composing a solo project, producing several records with Parrenthesses, recording a classical collection, and teaching guitar through his music school: Wax Wing Music School, as well as through Heritage Music School where he has been teaching since 2012.

Versatile and eclectic Guitarist with 15 years of performance experience specializing in Classical styles spanning many centuries, Latin guitar, Jazz, and Pop. Availiable for weddings, receptions, private parties, or other special events, Elliott is a wonderful solo act, and can collaborate with other musicians upon request. With a bachelors in music from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Elliott focused on Classical guitar performance taking an interest to the works of spanish composers and south american composers alike. While studying classical guitar, Elliott also took the opportunity to explore Jazz as a part of his degree, and continued this interest til this day. With years of experience performing for a wide range of audiences, Elliott will delight to make your event extra special.

ELLIOTT VERNON