Rhys Montanarello’s musical journey begin in third grade, like many young kids, wanting to learn guitar to be like his favorite musicians. Rhys spent his youth learning the music of great rock and blues guitarists like B.B. King, Angus Young, John Mayer, and Steve Vai. Alongside the guitar, he also played the cello from elementary through high school, getting experience playing classical repertoire.

As Rhys continued his guitar journey, he found himself gravitating to singer-songwriters such as Conor Oberst, and began studying what made these songs so powerful and timeless. He also started writing his own music, a practice he finds deeply rewarding and continues to be an integral part of his musical identity today.

However, it was not until Rhys discovered jazz music that he started to see his career developing as a musician. After years of pursuing an engineering degree, he made the bold decision to begin studying jazz at Mesa Community College in early 2019. Taking lessons under Pete Pancrazi, he began learning the fundamentals of jazz guitar as well as performing in combos and big bands led by faculty such as esteemed pianist Nick Manson.

Rhys transferred to ASU to continue his studies with Dr. Jeff Libman in August 2020, and he completed his undergraduate degree in Jazz Performance with a guitar emphasis in May of 2023. Following graduation, Rhys took a year off from school to continue building his professional resume playing a variety of gigs in jazz bands, theater pits, and even hosting his own singer-songwriter concert at The Rebel Lounge. Rhys also continues to be an active composer, writing original jazz compositions that he frequently performs with his fellow musicians.

In the fall of 2024, Rhys returned to ASU to pursue his Master’s in Jazz Studies. Alongside Dr. Libman, he is working with Director of Jazz Studies Michael Kocour on an independent study that includes projects such as writing a big band arrangement of one of Rhys’ original compositions. Other faculty that Rhys has had the pleasure of learning from include world-renowned drummer Lewis Nash, and Eric Rasmussen, Director of Instrumental Music at Scottsdale Community College. Rhys is expected to complete his degree in May of 2026.

Rhys also works extensively as a teacher in a variety of capacities throughout the valley. He teaches private lessons to guitarists of all ages, including beginners, high school students that are playing in their jazz bands, and adults who want to take their playing to the next level. He works with the ASU Community Music School as their jazz instructor, teaching adults who are interested in learning jazz and improvisation. Rhys also works with SOUNDS Academy, a Phoenix nonprofit, where he teaches group guitar classes, private lessons, and co-directs the jazz ensemble.