Monte Muza

Monte Muza Monte was born in Kansas City, Mo on April 15, 1948. In Independence, Mo. to be exact. Monte got a late start playing music, getting his first guitar at age 15. But he practiced a lot and worked hard to overcome the late start. By the time he was in his late teens he was in the back up band of Blues giant Albert Collins, who lived in the Kansas City area during the 1960's. Monte took an interest in R&B at the time, as well as Blues, and then eventually got interested in Jazz.

In the following years he had the opportunity to perform with local musician's, trumpeter Carmell Jones, alto saxophonist Bobby Watson, and guitarist Pat Metheny, all of whom became internationally renowned. He also had the opportunity to perform with world famous saxophone players Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Cannonball Adderley, Jimmy Heath, David "Fathead" Newman and Ernie Wilkins. Additionally he performed with trumpeters Dizzy Gillespie and Clark Terry, trombonist Curtis Fuller, bassist Percy Heath, drummer Louis Hayes, and fellow guitarist Phil Upchurch.

Over the years Monte has been teaching music lessons, including guitar, bass, music theory, etc. as well as performing in the Kansas City area with as many local musicians as possible in many different styles, Blues, R&B, Jazz, etc. He hopes to continue performing and teaching for many years to come.

Northwest Missouri State University

Monte Muza