AboutJustin

Justin Chen is a 15-year-old classical guitarist based in Los Angeles. He began studying classical guitar at the age of eight and has developed as a young musician through dedicated study, performance, competition, and recording.

Since he first began studying classical guitar, Justin has deeply admired the legendary Spanish guitarist Maestro Pepe Romero. At the age of ten, Justin attended his first masterclass with Maestro Romero and had the memorable opportunity to perform alongside him. Since then, he has continued to receive Romero's guidance and encouragement through masterclasses and other musical encounters. At twelve, while participating in the Granada Guitar Festival in Spain, Justin performed in a special concert celebrating Maestro Romero's 80th birthday. Maestro Romero's guidance and encouragement have remained an important influence on Justin's musical development.

Justin began his classical guitar studies at the age of eight with James Hunley in Los Angeles, and later studied with Connie Sheu of the Colburn School in Los Angeles. He currently studies with Dr. Tengyue (TY) Zhang, continuing to develop his technique, musicianship, and artistic identity. In addition to his regular studies, Justin has participated in masterclasses with distinguished guitarists and teachers including Pepe Romero, Christopher Parkening, Scott Tennant, Meng Su, and Gabriel Bianco, among others. These experiences have introduced him to a wide range of musical perspectives and approaches to the classical guitar.

Competition has also played an important role in Justin's development as a performer. At the age of eleven, on his first appearance at the Guitar Foundation of America International Youth Competition, he advanced to the final round and later returned to the GFA finals.

Justin has since earned First Prize at the University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival competition and First Prize at The Guitar Studio International Festival and Competition in Dallas. He has also received Second Prize twice at the Houston Classical Guitar Competition. In 2026, he was named a Finalist in the James Stroud National Classical Guitar Youth Competition.

Beyond competition, Justin continues to develop a broad musical perspective, exploring repertoire from the Baroque tradition through modern and contemporary music. He is particularly drawn to music with distinctive character, rich color, dramatic contrast, and emotional depth.

Justin's performances have been recorded and presented by Guitar Salon International (GSI) in Los Angeles and Siccas Guitars in Germany, introducing his playing to an international classical-guitar audience beyond the competition stage.