Dotson | Roman | Schields
Guitar Trio Bio

Dotson–Roman–Shields

Forged from decades of artistry, scholarship, and global performance, the Dotson–Roman–Shields Guitar Trio unites three distinguished musicians whose collective voice reflects both refinement and depth. With careers spanning major concert stages, academic institutions, and international festivals, the trio embodies a rare synthesis of virtuosity, wisdom, and expressive maturity, offering performances that are as intellectually compelling as they are emotionally resonant.

Dr. Jonathan Dotson is a relentless and passionate ambassador for the classical guitar, having performed across four continents in venues ranging from intimate nightclubs in Austin, Texas to Gothic cathedrals in Palencia, Spain. A prizewinner in numerous international competitions, including the Dallas International Guitar Competition and Boston Guitarfest, he is equally at home as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator. A former founding member of the internationally acclaimed Texas Guitar Quartet, Dotson has appeared at major events such as the Guitar Foundation of America Convention and the Victoria Bach Festival. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and currently directs the guitar program at the St. Johns County Center for the Arts in St. Augustine, Florida, while maintaining an active performing career throughout the region.

Dr. Orlando Roman, a Fulbright Scholar and critically acclaimed virtuoso, brings a deeply informed and internationally shaped perspective to the ensemble. With a Doctorate in Guitar Performance from Florida State University and advanced studies in Madrid, his artistry is rooted in a profound connection to the Spanish guitar tradition. A recipient of major awards including the New York Curran Award and grants from the Maryland State Arts Council, Roman has earned top prizes in prestigious competitions such as the Boston Classical Guitar Society Competition. He has performed extensively as both soloist and ensemble artist, including appearances with the National Chamber Ensemble, and serves on the faculty at Stetson University.

Joseph Shields is an award-winning guitarist, composer, and educator whose work bridges tradition and contemporary expression. Praised by renowned guitarist Roland Dyens as “a very refined and sensitive musician,” Shields has performed across the United States, with appearances in New York City, Los Angeles, and major festivals and concert series including Guitar Sarasota and the Long Island Guitar Festival. A champion of new music, he has premiered works by leading composers and collaborated with distinguished artists across disciplines. His accolades include the Eliot Fisk Prize “to an outstanding guitarist” from Yale University among many others. As an educator and mentor, Shields has guided students to elite conservatories and national recognition, while also contributing to the field through publications and leadership in arts initiatives. He currently serves as Music Director in Gainesville, Florida, and remains active as a performer, composer, and advocate for well-balanced sustainable artistic careers.

Together, Dotson, Roman, and Shields form a trio defined not only by technical excellence, but by a shared artistic vision, one that honors the classical guitar’s rich tradition while exploring its evolving voice. Their performances reveal a deep musical dialogue shaped by years of experience, offering audiences a compelling and unified expression of three distinct yet harmonious artistic paths.