houston shelton

Studied and worked under master luthier Jason Kostal. Working for Jason, I learned about the importance of having a sense of integrity in your work, being uncompromising in the pursuit of your goals. Every day was a learning experience, and the work we did together completely changed my worldview. It was the hardest, most rewarding job I have ever had.

Formal study of the art of hand crafting musical instruments, with a focus on steel string acoustic and electric guitars. In addition to the required construction and repair coursework, independently designed and created a commissioned crossover nylon string guitar for an OM style body, complete with armrest bevel for player comfort and scoop cutaway for increased playing range.

Regulated the overall inflow and outflow of the bell department to the hotel's more than 1600 guest rooms, concert halls and special event rooms.

Studied under and volunteered close to two hundred hours with Terry Webb of Sundance Guitars. Performed repairs on various instruments, including cellos, mandolins, violins, and acoustic and electric guitars. Learned various repair techniques including dovetailed neck resetting, refretting, nut and saddle making, and headstock reglueing.

Cultivated minds. Taught oral and written English and American history and culture to Chinese and South Korean college students.

Teaching children ages two to thirteen to swim, all the while building their self-confidence and independence.

Working at the four diamond certified Ahwanee hotel, strove to provide guests with memorable experiences while maintaining a professional workplace. Received recognition for excellent work from both managers and guest notes on multiple occasions.

Starting out as the newly hired help, I have gradually taken on more and more responsibility within the company. I now oversee the majority of the day-to-day operations at Dream Guitars, freeing up Paul to handle the "Big Picture". I look forward to my continued work, learning more and more about the state of this wondrous field and improving my own instruments through the study of vintage instruments and those of the top luthiers of our era.

Studied advanced acoustic guitar design features under luthier Charles Fox. Coursework included double top, arm bevel, multi-scale, elevated fingerboard, and rigid-rim design."]

Formal study of the art of hand crafting musical instruments, with a focus on steel string acoustic and electric guitars. In addition to the required construction and repair coursework, independently designed and created a commissioned crossover nylon string guitar for an OM style body, complete with armrest bevel for player comfort and scoop cutaway for increased playing range."]

Fluent in French, Conversant in Chinese. Overseas Studies: 1 semester in Versailles, Fr, focuses on French literature, history, and language; 1 semester at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels, Be) Activities and Societies: * Phi Sigma Iota Member * Furman University Merit Scholarship * Classical and Fingerstyle Guitarist * Environmental Action Group Member