John Doan

Guitarist John Doan commands expertise across Renaissance lute, classical guitar, and contemporary guitar approaches, yet his defining instrument remains the 20-string harp/guitar that enjoyed widespread use across Europe and America by the close of the 19th century. He first picked up the guitar at age 11 while residing in Venice, California, where surf music dominated his listening at the time. Classical guitar later captured his attention, leading to a music performance degree from Cal State Northridge. After relocating to Oregon, he completed a master’s degree in musical education at Western Oregon State and joined the faculty. Further training on Renaissance and baroque lute in the Netherlands equipped him to approach the harp/guitar.

The instrument features six standard fretted guitar strings, six unfretted bass strings, and eight unfretted high strings prized for their clear tones and extended resonance. Despite the surge of interest in Celtic music, few performers have embraced this evocative instrument. Doan has collaborated with folk and country figures such as Burl Ives, Larry Carlton, and Chet Atkins. His debut Narada release, Departures (1988), introduced a distinctive folk-fusion style. Two PBS programs—A Christmas to Remember with John Doan and A Victorian Christmas with John Doan—featured him on period instruments. Hearts of Space issued two of his recordings: Wrapped in Christmas: Visions of Christmas Past and Eire: Isle of the Saints, A Celtic Odyssey. Remembrance: Melodies from a Forgotten Era appeared on the Tapestry Productions label. Doan resides in Oregon alongside his wife and holds the position of assistant professor of music at Williamette University in Salem.