John Sotirakos

John has an impressive journey that began in Halifax. He embarked on his musical career at the age of 16, and his talent and dedication led him to pursue formal education at Red Deer College. Graduating in 1990, he immersed himself in a comprehensive music program, studying Studio Lab Band, Big Band, Sound Engineering, and Music Merchandising for three years. As President of the college's music society, he received the Student's Certificate of Excellence Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.

Throughout his musical endeavors, John's skills and repertoire have continued to expand. He has embraced a wide range of guitar and vocal styles, adeptly playing various instruments and singing lead vocals and harmonies. His musical journey has taken him across the globe, where he has delighted audiences in numerous countries. Collaborating with esteemed musicians, including Gordon Stobbe Inducee, Bill Bourne (a Juno Award winner), Bobby Shew, and the late Ron Dan (Murray McLauchlan's steel guitar player), John has demonstrated his versatility and talent.

John's notable performances include being invited multiple times to the Halifax Jazz Festival in 1990 and joining the Vancouver-based Legends of Country impersonators in 1993. In the latter group, he paid tribute to country music legends like Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Ricky Van Shelton, and Patsy Cline, further refining his stage presence and connecting with audiences. Alongside his performances, John has made significant contributions as a composer, arranger, and producer. His involvement in Project Discovery, a project that resulted in nationally aired music videos, exemplified his skill set.

For the past 45 years, John has dedicated himself to teaching private music lessons, celebrating a milestone in his career. He imparts his extensive knowledge and passion to students, specializing in various guitar styles such as Celtic, Jazz, Rock, Country, R&B, and Latin American, as well as providing vocal instruction. John's expertise extends beyond the guitar, as he proficiently teaches instruments like bass, ukulele, fiddle, and mandolin. His experience as a performer, composer, and teacher enables him to bring a wealth of knowledge and a dynamic teaching style to his students, earning him respect as a highly regarded music educator within his community.