Ian Wardenski

Ian Wardenski began his musical studies at age 15 under the guidance of John Lahovski and Dr. Frank DiBussolo. While studying with Mr. Lahovski and Dr. DiBussolo, Ian attended the Creative Music Institute (Emmaus, PA), where he participated in various music classes and ensembles.

Mr. Wardenski graduated from Notre Dame de Namur University (Belmont, CA) with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. At NDNU he studied music theory/musicianship under Dr. Denis Moreen and Dr. Michael Schmitz, and classical guitar under Richard Patterson and David Duenas. Ian performed in a number of chamber ensembles and jazz ensembles, which performed throughout the San Francisco bay area. Mr. Wardenski gave his senior guitar recital in May 2001.

In the fall of 2004, Ian received a Master of Music in Music Theory from Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA). While at Duquesne University, he studied music theory/musicianship under Dr. Robert Shankovich, and classical guitar under Thomas Kikta. Ian also had private guitar lessons and Performance Development class with Aaron Shearer, author of the Learning the Classic Guitar series.

Mr. Wardenski is currently working on his Ph.D. in music theory at The Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.), where he studies music theory under Dr. Steven Strunk and classical guitar under Dr. Richard Miller. He has successfully passed his minor comprehensive exams in guitar literature and guitar pedagogy, as well as his major comprehensive exams in music theory, and is currently writing his dissertation, entitled Harmonic and Phrase Rhythm Analysis of the Four Lute Suites of J.S. Bach.

Mr. Wardenski believes strongly in a close relationship between scholarship and performance, and promotes this relationship in his classes. This passion for research and performance can be seen in Mr. Wardenski’s graduate thesis entitled: Engaging the Musical Mind: Promoting the Value of Music Theory and Analysis Toward Authentic Interpretation and Performance of Selected Works of Francisco Tarrega, as well as in his dissertation. Furthermore, Mr. Wardenski brings his enthusiasm of scholarship and performance to the concert stage. He has given lecture recitals in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington D.C. 

Presently, Mr. Wardenski is a Music Instructor at Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold, MD).  He teaches courses in music theory, sight singing and ear training, music history, and guitar. Mr. Wardenski is also the faculty advisor to the Improvisational Music Committee.